Graeme Swann pushed his case for an Englandtour this winter with a scintillating all-round performance as Notts Outlawsthrashed Gloucestershire Gladiators.
NatWest Pro40 League Division One
Notts Outlaws 270-6 (Wagh 65, Swann 59,Jefferson 50, Read 46*)
Gloucestershire Gladiators 154 (Swann 5-17)
Notts Outlaws won by 116 runs
Swann shared an opening partnership of 111from the first 12 overs with Will Jefferson as Notts got off to a flying start,and the hosts never lost control of the match from there.
The 28-year-old smashed nine fours in his33-ball innings, while Jefferson also made a rapid 50 from 45 deliveries faced.
Mark Wagh contributed an under-stated 65from 74 balls before retiring hurt, with Chris Read cracking 46 not out from 30balls to complete an imposing innings total of 270-6.
And once dangermen Craig Spearman andHamish Marshall were dismissed inside the first three overs by Andre Adams andCharlie Shreck, the stage was set for Swann to claim a career-best 5-17 infront of the Sky cameras as the Gladiators were swept away.
He said: "I do enjoy it when the televisioncameras turn up. Mick Newell told me before the game that I should really makeit count.
"I've got that licence to go and bepositive at the top of the order with the bat, and given the injuries to ourseamers I knew I had an important role to play as a bowler.
"I got lucky with my first wicket when AlexGidman played on, and everything went my way from there."
Asked about his England aspirations, headded: "I would love to be on the plane to Sri Lanka this winter.
"I've had a good season. The ball has beencoming out well and I've been scoring some runs. Fingers crossed, I can producea few more performances like this before the end of the summer and give theselectors another nudge."
The performance ensured the 3,910 Nottssupporters went home happy in what was the last home match of the season beforeredevelopment work begins on the new stand on the Bridgford Road side of theground.
And the convincing win means that theOutlaws have gone second in Division One, although they have played a game morethan leaders Worcestershire, with several of the chasing pack also having agame in hand.