Swann feels heat but not from Panesar’s return

Swann has been England’s first-choice since taking over from Panesar four years ago, becoming one of the most consistent spinners in the world across all formats.

But Panesar has soared back to form since being recalled as a back-up for Swann against Pakistan earlier this year.

He has taken five-wicket hauls in two warm-up matches, one in the United Arab Emirates and one against a Sri Lankan Board XI in the past week, and picked up 14 scalps in two Tests.

England will again use both Swann and Panesar in the two-Test series against Sri Lanka but will probably revert to one in the summer.

Swann has been pleased by Panesar’s return and said: “I’m not (concerned about competition). I think it’s quite a sad existence when people start looking over their shoulders.

“I always enjoy bowling with Monty and we compliment each other quite well because I take it in and he takes it away.

“If in the summer Monty is bowling better than me and he gets picked then fair play to him.

“Of course I’ll be hoping to be the man in possession but if you spend your whole life just looking over your shoulder I think you’re a fairly sad individual. Monty is bowling beautifully at the moment and that bodes well because we need two spinners over here. If we’re both bowling well we can hopefully bowl England to some victories.”

In terms of wickets taken, Panesar has led the way since returning to the side but he admitted on Friday that he still seeks advice from Swann.

The Nottinghamshire player, whose superior batting and fielding are sure to weigh heavily in his favour when England’s selectors do decide to go with one spinner, is also happy with his own form.

“Confidence is sky high,” he said.

“I thought I bowled quite well in the warm-up match. At this point in a tour it’s all about how the ball feels coming out of your hand and it was coming out great.

“I’m just getting used to the heat at the moment. It was too hot for me (on Saturday) and too hot for me the day before. Hopefully when the Tests start in a couple of weeks I’ll be ready to go.”

Swann warned it would be no simple task against Sri Lanka.

“With the heat and conditions here, it’s really brought home how hard it will be for us in the Test series,” he said. “It was pleasing to win the first game and now it’s onwards and upwards.”