SWANN SONG AT THE END

Before this Test started, England had ticked all but one box in their comprehensive domination of India. All the batsmen had got runs at various points, each pace bowler had outstanding figures and each one had bowled at least one superb spell and each member of the team - whether of the playing eleven or in the reserves - had displayed the intensity and hunger to make England a champion side. 
The only box that remained was that Graeme Swann - the leading spinner in the world - had not come to the party for England. Swann, a lively character who is never short of a witticism and likes to be in the thick of things - chose the perfect time to share in the spoils for England, on the final day of the Test series. After India had negotiated the first session without losing a wicket, Swann engineered a collapse with the first breakthrough. He got the well set Amit Mishra with a beauty that held its line and didn't turn as much as Mishra anticipated.

From 262/3, India lost their next 7 wickets for just 21 more runs in 15.3 overs. Of those 7 wickets, four were taken by Swann who ended up with figures of 6/106 and match figures of 9/208. Given that he had taken only 4 wickets in the first three Tests, this was by far his best bowling performance in the series. From the point of view of the result of the series, it may not have mattered since England had won anyway, but it made all the difference in the world from a psychological viewpoint. India had looked like they might achieve some redemption with an honourable draw, but Swann put paid to that and ensured that not only was a whitewash achieved but it came with a victory margin of stunning proportions.

Before the series, Swann was the legitimate holder of the 'best spinner in the world' title. During it, there seemed some doubts about that title. But on the final day of the series, Swann ensured that there would be no further doubts.