Australia's decision to omit Hauritz helped England in Ashes series: Swann

Sydney, Jan 1(ANI): England off-spinner Graeme Swann reckons that Australia's decision to dump off-spinner Nathan Hauritz from the ongoing Ashes series has helped his team.

Swann believes that leaving out Hauritz for the Ashes opener in Brisbane was one of the best things Australia could have done for the visitors.

"I genuinely feel sorry for him because I don't think he deserved to miss out on this whole series. He bowled well against England two years ago and I certainly think he was a guy who caused a few of our players some problems," Fox Sports quoted Swann, as saying.

"I don't understand why he's not been given a shout, but it's good for us," he added.

Since his axing, Hauritz has returned to state duty with New South Wales impressively.

He has scored two Sheffield Shield centuries and claimed career-best bowling figures in the Blues' win over Western Australia in Perth to have 19 first-class wickets this season at an average of 26.78. (ANI)