18 April 2024 last updated at 15:13 GMT
 
Swann happy with all-rounder Bopara
Saturday 24 September 2011

England off-spinner Graeme Swann has backed Ravi Bopara to evolve into a fine all-rounder after Bopara took four wickets for 10 runs against the West Indies.

"Bopara was unplayable. He has good control these days and is developing into a fine all-rounder," Swann, England's stand-in Twenty20 captain, was quoted as saying by BBC.

"He never looked like going for any runs out there - he was phenomenal."

Swann was delighted to get off to a winning start as a captain.

"I enjoyed every moment of today," said Swann. "It was a dream start as captain. I asked the boys to give everything and they did that; I was delighted with the way everybody performed."

Bopara revealed that he was delighted but embarrassed at delivering record figures of 4-10.

"It feels quite embarrassing that I have the best figures when you've got the incredible bowlers we have in our team," he said.

"But I'm very proud to be a part of this team. We've got a very tough series coming up in India, which will test us.

"The way we've played this summer in England has been exceptional. To beat Sri Lanka and India - the two teams that contested the World Cup final - on our own turf is an unbelievable thing." he said. 

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