Swann expecting tough summer
Graeme Swann could be forgiven for already thinking about gaining further plaudits should he help England retain the Ashes in Australia next winter.
But the off-spinner, who on Monday night received the ECB's Brit Men's Cricketer of the Year award and was last month named one of Wisden's five best in the same category, insists it is folly to look beyond England's next match.
England will take on Bangladesh and Pakistan this summer, and Swann said: "The Ashes is huge. I know we've got six months of cricket ahead of us, but already the media are focusing on the Ashes. If the players start doing the same, that could be a bit dangerous."
He added: "You shouldn't underestimate a Bangladesh team who are ever improving and a Pakistan side who, everyone knows, on their day are ridiculously good.
"You'd hope home advantage would play to your strengths, because we're going to have a strong seam attack.
"But it's mid-season now, the sun is out, and Lord's is a very good batting wicket - so I'm not expecting a great deal of movement for the bowlers."
Swann is confident, but not complacent.
"Of course, I'm expecting us to win the game and the series," he explained. "But I think we'll have to work a lot harder than other people are giving Bangladesh credit for."
The first Test against Bangladesh gets under way at Lord's on Thursday.
