Graeme Swann's stock continues to rise with his 10 wickets against Bangladesh - and he now has to be regarded as the best spinner in the world.The key to his game is that he knows his art very well, and that can only come from years of hard graft and patience - in that sense, Swann has served his time and is now reaping the rewards. He has proven his quality against the world's best, and the next challenge for him will be to produce the goods in India, where he began his international career. If you look at the other spinners on the international circuit, you would have to say that Swann is the best out there at this moment.
Danish Kaneria, Nathan Hauritz, Ajantha Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Harbhajan Singh: you would be hard-pressed to prove that any one of those players are better than Swann on current form.
The England spinner has natural variation, magnificent control and flight, and a fine arm ball. He may not have a doosra, but often it is about mastering the basics and not always worrying about delivering the 'magic ball'.
Swann sits in behind Dale Steyn as the world's second best bowler, and his consistency has been key to him becoming an important component of the England side.
It would not be crazy to suggest that he is England's most important player now, for what he brings to the table on a series-to-series basis, and his absence would be very sorely felt.
A crucial aspect of Swann's game from my point of view is that he bowls so effectively in the first innings: it is priceless for any team to have a spinner who can deliver at any stage in the match.
It is because of Swann's versatility that England can afford to go into matches with four bowlers, and I have not even mentioned his ability to contribute with the bat and in the field too.
As for whether he is one of the England greats, I think this performance has to be put into context: facing Bangladesh is like playing in a practice match, and that must be taken into account.
I think Swann has to take well over 200 Test wickets before he can be classed as one of England's greatest bowlers, but he is certainly capable of achieving that. He has 79 Test wickets to his name at present, and his confidence continues to grow.
The Notts spinner thoroughly deserves to be where he is, and his jovial manner endears him to the public and shows that he is being his natural self and having fun.
England are very fortunate to have a spinner who has mastered his art, and it serves to provide a splendid example to other county players of what can be achieved through years of practice and experience.
I believe that Dale Steyn is rightly the world's best bowler, and he is a real match-winner for South Africa, but Swann has proven yet again that he is one of the best out there and can lead England for years to come.
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