Strauss lauds Swann's efforts

England v West Indies, 1st npower Test, Lord's, 3rd day

Bulletin By Shwe Wai

	Graeme Swann cracked his maiden Test fifty while Ravi Bopara (left) made 143 in his first attempt at No.3 © Getty Images

Fresh from England's ten-wicket win over West Indies yesterday, the England captain Andrew Strauss has lauded the efforts of Graeme Swann.

Swann cracked an entertaining 63 in England's first innings and picked up six wickets to earn him the Man-of-the-Match award, and five of his six victims were left-handers, including Shivnarine Chanderpaul whose wicket Swann took twice in the match.

"Swann is an excellent bowler at left-handers in particular," Strauss told PA. "I haven't seen a left-hander play him with real confidence yet. He troubles everyone, has a good variety - and I think he's a smart bowler.

"Possibly the fact he's come in a little bit late in his career means he's had a little bit more time to think about his variations, how to out-think people and get them out.

"We're excited about what he can offer us."

Swann's contribution helped England record their first win at Lord's since 2005 - their first victory in a live Test since beating New Zealand, at Trent Bridge, last June. Swann aside, Graham Onions took 5 for 38 on his Test debut while Ravi Bopara all but cemented his position at No.3 when he stroked a sublime 143.

"We played some pretty clinical cricket," Strauss said. "We were in some trouble on day one - and the way, in particular, that Ravi stood up and showed his temperament under pressure is really encouraging. It was crucial to the outcome of the Test match. "It was not easy to bat on day one - the wicket was a bit green and nipped around a bit - and someone needed to front up and play the conditions well.

"He did that, and it's really encouraging when you see that from a guy who hasn't played a lot before - because it's an examination of his temperament and character.