Art of spin is like riding a bike, one can never forget, asserts Graeme Swann

Graeme Swann, who is considered to be one of the best English spinners, had bagged 255 Test wickets, in his career spanning 5 years from 2008 to 2013. The veteran off-spinner, speaking the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports, pointed out spinners would not have to face much pain while accommodating to the newly placed rules by the ICC amid the coronavirus scare.

The 41-year-old admitted that while pacers might face some trouble, it would be easier for the spinners to readapt once international cricket makes a comeback in full swing. Swann added that, like riding a bike, that art of spin is something that becomes a part of a spinner’s muscle memory.

“It’s all in the head, once you get to the top of professional cricket and international cricket as well, you are brilliant in what you do, you are very, very good, your body knows exactly what it is doing. It’s all in your head, no matter how much time these guys have off, muscle memory does not disappear. It’s like riding a bike, you still remember how to do it,” Swann said on the Cricket Connected Show on Star Sports.

“So, the guys who convince themselves early on, doesn’t matter about rhythm, doesn’t matter about this, doesn’t matter about that, how long you have been off, I’m just going to do it, I am going to remember the feeling. For a spinner, just flicking the ball on your fingers at home, that’s enough for me, just make sure the ball still feels the same in your hands.” Swann said.

Swann's final Test appearance came against Australia in the Ashes at Perth in 2013, after which he infamously retired mid-way through the prestigious series.