England on Monday added spinners Scott Borthwick and James Tredwell to their Ashes tour squad in Australia following Graeme Swann's retirement from international cricket. PHOTO: FILE
Durham leg-spinner Borthwick was scheduled to arrive in Australia late Monday and will train with the squad before the fourth Test starts on Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Team officials said Borthwick, recommended by Swann for the England team, would be available for selection in the Boxing Day Test.
Swann announced his immediate retirement from international and first-class cricket mid-way through the series, with Australia already holding an unassailable 3-0 lead and retrieving the urn they lost in 2009.
"Personally I hope Scott Borthwick gets a chance before long," said the off-spinner at his Sunday press conference to announce his retirement.
"He's a leg-spinner with a bit of X-factor and he can bat as well."
Kent off-spinner Tredwell will arrive in Melbourne during the fourth Test and will be available for selection for the final Test in Sydney beginning on January 3.
Monty Panesar, who is expected to be part of the England attack in the Melbourne Test, paid tribute on Monday to fellow spinner Swann.
He noted Swann took 255 Test wickets compared to Australian legend Richie Benaud, who snared 248 with his leg-spin.
"That's the elite class ... he's obviously an icon cricketer, [he's] been a match winner for England and probably one of the best spin bowlers in the modern game," he told reporters.
"We loved him to bits when he played with us — he had great character and his sense of humour was good. We are all disappointed, the way the results have been."
Panesar said the English take great pride in representing their country.
"When you're playing for England, it is the pinnacle for every sportsman," he said.
"In no way [do we] take it for granted, absolutely not."
Aussies vow no mercy against Swann-less England
Australia are vowing no let-up as they chase an Ashes clean sweep against troubled England.
England are battling to avoid a repeat of the 5-0 Ashes whitewash in Australia in 2006-07 following heavy losses in the first three Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Darren Lehmann, who has masterminded Australia's dramatic turnaround after their defeat in England in July and August, wants his team to go for the jugular in the match starting on Thursday.
"I only worry about us,” said Lehmann. “That's how we deal with it and that's all we can do. I'm sure they weren't worried about us last time either [when Australia lost in England].
"They have a good coach and good support staff — I'm sure they'll work through all those issues.
"Our point of view is to play the brand of cricket to win us cricket games and obviously it has been quite aggressive out there from both sides. It's good, hard Ashes cricket."
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