BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2010 - Graeme Swann

With the Ashes in full swing, it's time to look at England's best player over the past year: spin-bowler Graeme Swann

English cricket has experienced somewhat of a renaissance recently since the Ashes victory in 2009, culminating in the World Twenty20 series victory in the West Indies.

England's rise up the rankings has mainly been down to their sensational bowling and their best player over the past 12 months has arguably been aggressive off-spinner Graeme Swann.

The master of deceptive spin bowling, Swann has terrorised batsmen with his consistently brilliant deliveries. He's been praised for improving his control with the ball and has been rampant takng vital wickets. He's
nailed his position as England's best all-rounder as well, thanks to some improved batting.

Swann achieved his first 10 wicket haul in the 1st test match against Bangladesh, notching up an impressive 10/217 over both innings. He also continued that form into the following Test series against Pakistan, notably at Edgbaston with Test-best figures of 6-65 and another 5 wicket haul at Lords, although that went under the radar slightly due to newspaper allegations against the Pakistan team for spot-fixing.

Shane Warne described him as the most improved cricketer in the world, praising in particular his change in pace in his off-spin bowling, yet still maintaining the same attacking intent. A compliment of the highest order.

Swann really shone in the World Twenty20 tournament where he played in every fixture on his way to glory. His dismissal of Aussie captain Michael Clarke in the final proved decisive, as did his quick-thinking catch against opening batsmen Shane Watson.

At the end of the tournament, Swann finished on 10 wickets which quickly saw his stock rising in all formats of the game. He is ranked as the 2nd best bowler in the word by the ICC, and looks set to finish the year on top spot.

His enhanced role as an all-rounder could well be key to England retaining the Ashes down under, and after already taking 5 wickets in Adelaide in that remarkable victory, surely glory awaits for England and Swann? Let's not tempt fate yet.

Odds of winning - 10/1

Verdict - Dark horse possibly. Depends on how well England are doing in the Perth test. If well, Swann could win it, representing the entire England team. His Adelaide performance helped his odds considerably.