World's number one ODI bowler Graeme Swann said that he was optimistic about England's chances of recording a clean sweep in the ODI series against India,but was aware of the challenges the young Turks in the visiting side could pose. "I hope so (we make a clean sweep) for we have played some unbelievable cricket this summer. It's important we carry on the momentum,for you want to go forward in all three formats of the game," Swann said on the eve of the third ODI at the Oval here on Friday. The off-spinner said his team was motivated as India's ODI squad was fighting well,unlike its performance in the Test series,which it lost 0-4. "A few of the younger guys who have come in,have a fairly carefree attitude and it's working for them. Parthiv Patel and Ajinkya (Rahane) are batting fantastically at the moment,and they are looking almost carefree when they go out. "We have been provided with new challenges and it doesn't feel like the same team we played 3-4 weeks ago. It looks as if we are still learning about the opposition so I wouldn't see we go into the middle thinking we are going to trounce them today," he said. The change in the mindset of India's ODI players is reflected in the approach of Suresh Raina,who got a pair in the fourth Test at the same venue but returns here having smashed 40 off 19 balls in the second ODI at Southampton. He said,"I don't know if the change of format is the reason. Sometimes you wake up and feel you are going to smash the bowlers around. But he (Raina) certainly has been very exciting for the Indian team in the last couple of games. Some of his shots were spectacular to watch even from outside." As far as the stand-out batsman from India is concerned,Swann's pick was Rahul Dravid. "Rahul Dravid all summer has batted superbly. It's not just against our spinners but against all our bowlers. He has been the in-form batsman all summer and personally for me,a joy to watch. "Before I was in England team,I enjoyed watching him. There is so much elegance about him and not all players are blessed with it. If somebody has to get runs for them,I would rather like it to be him," he said. Swann also said that India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's reputation should not take a beating despite the side's listless display in the Test series. "There's only so much you can blame him. He did everything. He was the form batsman by the end of the Test series. He kept,he bowled. Any criticism of him can be fairly harsh for he got India where they were. We still see him as a formidable opponent and a very good captain," said Swann. Of all the England bowlers,Rahane rates James Anderson and Stuart Broad as very good but when it comes to batsmen,the two stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid are his favourites. "I have found both Anderson and Broad as very good. But as far as my favourite batsmen go,Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid top the list." Rahane joined the squad after it was known that regular opener Virender Sehwag would return home as he hasn't sufficiently recovered from his ear injury.
