Off-spinner Graeme Swann has advocated the idea of playing two slow bowlers in the England XI for the first Test against Pakistan starting here from Tuesday. England warmed up for the opening match of the three-Test series with a 100-run win against a Pakistan Cricket Board XI with left-arm spinner Monty Panesar staking claims to partner Swann with eight wickets in the side game.
And Swann, England's frontline spinner for some time now, backed the idea of playing with two spinners on the slow, turning pitches in United Arab Emirates.
"Yes I would, I've always advocated the use of two spinners and I love the rhythm and tempo the game takes when there are two spinners," said Swann, who is likely to play a lead role for England again. England last played two spinners in a Test against Bangladesh in March 2010, with another off-spinner James Tredwell partnering Swann. Irrespective of England's ploy, Pakistan are certain to play with two spinners in Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Rehman.