London, Jul 28: Having beaten India comprehensively in the first Test, England offie Graeme Swann feels that their primary aim would be to starve senior batsman Sachin Tednulkar for runs during the next three Test matches.
“We stopped the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar, from making a big score at Lord's and our aim is to starve him of runs all series,” Swann wrote in his column.
“It can't be easy for Sachin because he carries the expectation of the entire Indian nation on his shoulders every time he goes out to bat. And now it is even more intense because he is just one away from a century of centuries.”
He was full praise for his teammates Jimmy Anderson, Chris Tremlett and Stuart Broad.
“Our quick bowlers were absolutely superb as we completed a memorable 196-run win over India,” Swann wrote in his column.
“Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett were as good in the First Test as they were in Australia last winter. And that's saying something,” he wrote.
“Much of the talk going into the match was about how taking 20 wickets on a flat pitch would be impossible - especially against India's line-up of batting superstars.
Well, the three big lads made that theory look daft with their aggression, accuracy, patience and skill,” he further stated.
“During the Test series against Sri Lanka, we didn't quite match up to the standards we demand of ourselves. I'm not sure if that was because we were ring-rusty or due to the wet and cold weather. But our bowling was back to its best against India.”
“We maintained pressure at both ends even though the ball wasn't doing much and made sure each new batsman felt uncomfortable when he came in - which was our game plan all winter too.”
Swann feels that if they can maintain the same intensity level then being No 1 is not so far away.
“If we can maintain that same level of performance over the series, we'll really fancy our chances of winning – and maybe even reaching No 1 in the world rankings.”
