We want to knock South Africa off their perch: Swann

England spinner Graeme Swann has said the series against South Africa is going to be tough, but his team has the potential to beat the world's top-ranked Test team.

"We want to knock them off their perch. We know we can beat anybody on our day, but we need consistency. We were superb in our first two practice matches, but then had a nightmare against South Africa A on Tuesday," The Sun quoted Swann, as saying.

"I've been very pleased with my bowling so far. It's amazing how the body remembers what to do when you have so little time off. It feels like I haven't stopped bowling since the West Indies tour in January. I feel fresh and can't complain about the amount of cricket because, as a spinner, it is not that hard on the body," he added.

The 30-year-old, who last played in South Africa 10 years ago, said that he has developed as a player and is now a more composed and relaxed player.

"The England team is staying in the same hotel as in 1999-2000 and it sure brings back some memories - not all of them good. But the important thing is that I learned a lot of important lessons from my mistakes," Swann said.

"As we prepare for today's (Friday) first Twenty20 match against South Africa, I wouldn't claim to have the X Factor, but I am certainly more confident and relaxed about my cricket than I have ever been," he added. (ANI)

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