Swann admits England's frustrations

The manner in which England bulldozed to a 4-0 victory on home soil against South Africa suggested they had finally become a one-day side to respect, but just a few months later they have been hammered in the opening two encounters of this seven-match series.

"We've done everything right in practice; we've hit the ground running in preparation, and it's just one of those things that we haven't clicked yet on the field. It's been as frustrating for us as it has for the fans back home," said Swann.

"I think it's been frustrating for everyone in the England camp.

"We played some really good cricket at the the back end of the summer in England and we haven't been able to hit the ground running over here - which is obviously what we intended to do."

Swann has not featured for England since playing against New Zealand at Lord's last summer, but another pitch likely to favour spin has given him a better chance to force his way into the team on Thursday.

England are yet to decide whether to use him as a straight replacement for Nottinghamshire team-mate Samit Patel, who has been preferred to him in the opening matches, or as a second spinner.

With Ravi Bopara missing training on Wednesday because of a stomach upset, either alternative is a possibility. If given his chance, Swann is confident he can make an impression.

"Because I haven't played in those first two, should I get into the XI on Thursday I can walk out and see it as a fresh series," he reasons. "The series in Sri Lanka last year was five matches, which I think is a good length for a spin bowler.

"He doesn't get too tired and doesn't get worked out by the batsmen, so I hope I can squeeze my way into the team and see this as a fresh series."