The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England will kick-start from January 25 with the first match being played in Hyderabad.
The much-anticipated five-match Test series between India and England is set to commence on January 25, with the initial clash in Hyderabad. As the two cricket powerhouses gear up for another intense Test rivalry, former England spinner Graeme Swann has shed light on some intriguing anecdotes from England's victorious 2012 tour of India.
Despite England having the upper hand in the series with a 2-1 triumph, the journey was not devoid of challenges. Swann recently shared untold stories, highlighting a particular incident involving Virat Kohli during the fourth Test match where he, along with skipper MS Dhoni, displayed remarkable performances with scores of 103 and 99 runs, respectively.
Swann disclosed that the England team had been cautioned against engaging in verbal exchanges with the formidable Delhi-based batter, Kohli. However, a confrontation unfolded between Kohli and England's Steven Finn, leading to a memorable encounter on the field.
'We had been told beforehand to not say anything to this bloke (Virat Kohli). Steven Finn got driven for a couple of incredible fours and he lost the plot and had a go at him and realized his mistake straight away. Virat roared up like a tiger, and Finn just doubled down and got smashed everywhere,' recounted Swann during a Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
Reflecting on the series, Swann acknowledged the pivotal role played by spinners, especially himself and Monty Panesar, who collectively claimed 20 and 17 wickets, respectively. Swann commended Panesar, emphasizing the importance of approaching Test cricket with a mindset of being the best player in the world.
'The secret to Test cricket is to treat it as if you are the best player in the world and everyone else has to dance to your tune. I look back on that Test, and I bowled fairly well, but I didn't feel like I was doing anything special. I was just supporting Monty on the other end because he was bowling 65mph, pitching middle and leg, fizzing past the outside edge, and he was incredible in that game,' shared Swann.
He also spoke fondly of Panesar's unique qualities, describing his childlike innocence and unwavering love for the game. Swann expressed admiration for Panesar's consistent performance and his ability to generate impressive shape on the ball.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Virat Kohli’s untold ‘sledging’ incident revealed by rival, his tiger-like…")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}