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Andy Flower refuses to back Graeme Swann

Andy Flower refuses to confirm if Graeme Swann will be in the England side for the third Ashes Test in Perth.

England head coach Andy Flower has refused to confirm if Graeme Swann will keep his place in the side for the third Ashes Test, which gets underway on Friday in Perth.

Swann, 34, has taken just four wickets at an average of 99 during the first two Tests and such form has resulted in reports that he, along with fellow spin-bowler Monty Panesar, could be dropped.

However, when asked if Swann's place was under threat, Flower insisted that no decision has been made over selection.

"We picked two spinners in Adelaide as we adjudged the conditions dry enough to do so and I think that was right considering how it turned on the first day. We will assess those conditions and will obviously pick the side that gives us the best chance of winning," he told reporters.

"Graeme Swann has been an outstanding spin bowler for us over the past four or five years and very much part of England's success but we will assess the conditions and see who will be best able to help us take 20 wickets."

Should England opt to leave out either spinner, then all-rounder Tim Bresnan has been tipped to replace them.

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Liam Apicella
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