Pakistani duo showed us the way, Swann says

Dubai: Spinner Graeme Swann believes Younus Khan and Azhar Ali have done the worst possible thing by showing England how to bat on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch.

Khan (127) and Ali (157) produced a stunning fighting partnership in the second innings of the third Test to seemingly take the game away from the visitors.

But the England batsmen were all watching and Swann believes they could now take advantage, especially after he combined with Monty Panesar to rip through the rest of the Pakistan line up.

"Younus and Ali batted superbly yesterday," Swann said.

"Maybe that is the worst thing they could possibly do because they may have shown us how to bat against spinners on this pitch. But we will have to wait and see tomorrow.

"They used their bat and not their pads, especially Younus, who took the attack to the spinners.

"His century is the best I have seen for a long time."

Swann believes it was England's perseverance that saw Pakistan's last seven wickets fall for under 40 runs, with Panesar leading the fightback.

"Without the perseverance we showed out there Pakistan would have got an unassailable lead," he said.

"I don't think this is the best Monty has bowled for England. To be honest that is just taking away from his past.

Fine bowler

"He has always remained a very fine bowler and he has bowled exceptionally well in the two games.

"It is a reminder to you guys how good he is as a bowler.

"I love having two spinners in the game.

"It gives rhythm to the match and I may not have to do much bowling.

"I think he [Panesar] was obviously nervous going into Abu Dhabi match. In the second innings he bowled better than the first innings.

"He got just rewards for persevering with his line and length."