Swann: I've bowled better

(GETTY IMAGES)

Graeme Swann admitted the over which saw him make history in the first Test against India was not the best he has ever bowled.

The Nottinghamshire off-spinner became only the second bowler in Test history - following Richard Johnson's feat against Zimbabwe at Chester-le-Street in 2003 - to claim two wickets in his maiden over as the hosts stuttered to 155 for six at close of play on day two in Chennai.

Swann, who finished the day with two for 35 from 12 overs, told Sky Sports 1: "It was bizarre. It was a terrible first over.

"It had everything, a long hop, a half-volley and two wickets, so I can't really ask for a lot more."

Both wickets, those of Gautam Gambhir (19) and Rahul Dravid (three) came from marginal lbw decisions which Hawkeye suggested Daryl Harper got right.

"As soon as it hit Dravid I thought 'that's out', I couldn't see any other way," said Swann of his second strike.

"It was a good decision looking at it on TV, but it was one which could have gone the other way. I'm just glad they've been given."

England's first-innings total of 316 as they were bowled out in the afternoon session following an impressive half century from Matt Prior had seemed below par.

But the tourists, who also had a wicket apiece from James Anderson, Steve Harmison, Monty Panesar and Andrew Flintoff, now appear to be in the driving seat.

"It's not been easy to accrue runs on this pitch so far," said Swann. "We did well to get to 300 in the end.

"Apart from the opening stand we never really got a partnership together. Matt Prior played really well for his 50.

"We knew if we put it in the right areas we could make something happen.

"I don't think anyone expected to have them three down by teatime but once you get that it's important to carry on and the way Fred [Flintoff] bowled at the end with that hostility was very encouraging for us."

England will have the task of removing Harbhajan Singh and Mahendra Singh Dhoni tomorrow before trying to establish a big second-innings lead.

Swann said: "We've got four wickets to get and they've still got a couple of good players at the crease, especially with Dhoni there so we need to get rid of him early on.

"If we can do that, get into a good position and tighten the noose we should be in a very strong position."

Swann, who received a nasty, turning delivery from Harbhajan to be dismissed for just a single, admitted he was loving his introduction to Test cricket.

"I thought it was supposed to be boring," he said.

"I've enjoyed the two days so far - I didn't enjoy getting one that bounced on me when i was batting but I'd trade that any day for getting two wickets on my Test debut." I