Swann digs deep for England as Sehwag gives India the edge

Graeme Swann claimed a coveted piece of cricket history as he helped to claw England back into the reckoning after Virender Sehwag…

Graeme Swann claimed a coveted piece of cricket history as he helped to claw England back into the reckoning after Virender Sehwag’s destructive hundred in the first Test at the Sardar Patel Stadium.

Sehwag (117) began the series with a memorable statement of intent for India, only for Swann to hit back with four wickets – the second of which took him past the great Jim Laker as England’s most successful off-spinner. Thanks to Sehwag and Cheteshwar Pujara (98 not out), India nonetheless finished in the ascendancy on 323 for four after a day when England did not always help themselves – putting down two catches and missing opportunities to effect dismissals. Sehwag dispatched Tim Bresnan for four, four and six in successive balls.