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England star Graeme Swann is under an injury cloud heading into the first Test after suffering bad bruising to his right forearm during an Ashes warm-up game against Essex.
Swann has been cleared of a fracture but must be in some doubt with the opening Test against Australia in Nottingham just over a week away.
England’s medical staff will have to work around the clock to get the star spinner fit.
The 34-year-old right-armer missed the entire Champions Trophy with back and calf problems and already hasn’t seen much cricket of late without another injury to add to the mix.
During his brilliant rearguard innings of 94, Swann was struck by a fiery bouncer from Essex tyro Tymal Mills.
Swann batted on for 40 minutes, but once he was out he was sent straight to hospital for scans.
When he returned to the ground in Chelmsford he didn’t return to play.
An injury to Swann would be a potential boost for Australia, who after appearing down and out last week, have come back to life under new coach Darren Lehmann.
In the failed tour of India earlier in the year, Australia showed they have major frailties facing spin.
“Swann is such a fine bowler,” says former Test bowler and now expert commentator, Damien Fleming.
“When he’s not taking wickets he’s containing.
“He doesn’t have a great record against us but the couple of times when they’ve needed him on turning pitches like The Oval 2009 and the Ashes in Adelaide (2010) he … wins them the game.”
Although no one in England’s top order progressed past 50 in the first innings against Essex, they showed how deep they can bat with Swann’s knock and allrounder Tim Bresnan’s superb 105no in the first innings total of 9-413d.
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