Graeme Swann led England to a 181-run win over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chittagong - and admitted afterwards it was “hard work”.

Man-of-the-match Swann took 10 wickets in the match as the tourists finally claimed victory.

“It’s been a good 12 months for me and I’m more than happy for it to keep on going,” Swann said on Sky Sports 1.

“It was hard work, and I think that’s why (captain Alastair) Cook was justified in not enforcing the follow on.

“It was horrible (yesterday) taking no wickets, we were really struggling and this morning as well was tough.”

Click here to read Graham Hardcastle's blog from Barbados, where he is with the Lancashire team.

Swann’s feat was the first time since Jim Laker in 1956 that an off-spinner has taken 10 wickets in a match for England.

“I’m quite happy with that,” added Swann.

Cook, captain in place of Andrew Strauss, added: “Full credit to the way Bangladesh fought in the last innings, they made us work really hard for those last 10 wickets.”

On Swann’s display he said: “Swann over the last 12 months has been unbelievable and 10 wickets is absolutely deserved.”

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan praised his side for making England work for the win after the home side’s poor start.

“I think they have shown their character, they’ve worked really hard.”

Click on the cricinfo box below for the full scorecard.


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