England will not see themselves as a dominant force in world cricket until they top the Test rankings once again, according to Graham Swann.
England did just that back in 2009 following a series win over India but they have since slipped back to third, with South Africa at the top of the pile and India in second.
Victory over Australia in the Ashes series this summer would boost their chances of becoming the number one Test team in the world once again, but Swann says it will not be easy.
England are hot favourites to keep hold of the urn but Swann is taking nothing for granted ahead of the first Test that begins at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, this Wednesday.
“I don’t think we see ourselves as a dominant force,” Swann revealed.
“We climbed up to number one in the world, which was a feat we aimed to do and we were pleased with, but we didn’t stay there for long so we’re continually aiming to improve.
“We want to get back up there and until we are we won’t see ourselves as a dominant force.
“I’m sure there’s 11 players in our dressing room and 11 in theirs that have been looking forward to this for a very long time.”
Australia may be coming into the series in disarray following problems on and off the field, which resulted in coach Mickey Arthur being axed just a week before the first Test, but hope the appointment of Darren Lehmann will rally the troops.
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