Published: Jul 01, 2013, 11:52 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 01, 2013, 11:52 PM (IST)
Graeme Swann (right) was hit on his right forearm by Essex paceman Tymal Mills © Getty Images
London: Jul 1, 2013
Graeme Swann has survived a fracture to his bowling arm and is set to return to fielding duty later in England‘s Ashes warm-up match against Essex, an England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) spokesman said Monday.
Swann was hit on his right forearm by Essex paceman Tymal Mills while batting on Monday morning in England XI’s first innings 413 for nine declared.
England’s leading spinner continued his innings but did not take the field when Essex batted and was instead sent to hospital for an X-ray.
However, the ECB subsequently said Swann had not suffered a major injury.
“(The) X-ray showed no fracture,” the spokesman explained. “He is continuing to receive treatment for bruising and will return to the field later in the game.”
News that Swann has not suffered a severe setback will come as a huge relief to England chiefs after the 34-year-old missed the tour of New Zealand earlier this year to have surgery on his right elbow.
Not only has Swann established himself as England’s first choice spinner but, as an off-break bowler, is expected to play a key role in the defence of the Ashes against an Australia side set to feature several left-handers.
