'India have got world-class spinners' - Graeme Swann highlights England batter's struggles in ongoing series

Former England cricketer Graeme Swann offered insight into England's difficulties combating India's spinners. He underscored that it wasn't solely a capitulation, but rather giving in to the immense pressure from India's top-notch spin bowlers, who have been exceptional throughout the series.

England, trailing 1-3 in the series after losing three consecutive Tests, were hoping to end their disappointing campaign on an upbeat. However, their hopes were thwarted as they won the toss but failed to capitalize on a good batting wicket.

India's spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav (5/72) and Ravichandran Ashwin (4/51) ran through the English batting lineup, dismissing them for a meagre 218 a few overs into the final session of Day 1.

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I don’t think it’s a capitulation from England: Graeme Swann 

Swann, a key figure in England's win during the 2012-13 Test series in India, defended his countrymen's performance, stating:

"Well, you got to look at like I say, you have got world-class spinners at the absolute top of their game. I don’t think it’s a capitulation from England, just succumbing to the pressure maybe, so there are two ways of looking at it," he said as quoted by News18.

He further praised the Indian spinners, “England certainly knows they can do better but for India, you should be championing the fact that you have got an absolute world-beater at the moment, and he is bowling like a dream,” he added.

The former off-spinner acknowledged England's disappointing day but also highlighted their positive start:

“Disappointing day at the end of it, it started so well, with the ball sort of swinging and seaming around so lavishly. To not lose any wickets in that early spell was brilliant from England’s point of view,” said the 44-year-old former England spinner.

Nonetheless, he attributed Kuldeep Yadav's exceptional form as the driving force behind the collapse of the English batting order. 

“But then they came up against Kuldeep who is in rich form at the moment and he was just too good for them. At the end of the day, so very disappointing after winning the toss on a good pitch but then finding yourself in such a weak position at the end of Day 1, it’s been a bad day for England,” he added.

England's woes continued as India's batting line-up, led by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, asserted dominance, on Day 2 as they are currently batting with India's score reading 264/1. 

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Looking ahead, Swann identified India as a strong contender for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, citing their capabilities in the format and the depth of talent in their squad.

“Look, India is always going to have a massive chance at the T20 World Cup, you know the IPL is the home of T20 cricket basically, and you have got some incredible players, it’s about time someone knocked Australia off the world champion perch as well," he concluded.