London, Sep 2: England off-spinner Graeme Swann has hailed the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for keeping senior players like him and Kevin Pietersen in a key role in the Twenty20 squad.

Swann, who is doubtful for tomorrow's first ODI against India in Durham because of a virus, said: "If you look down the team sheet, only KP and me are over 30. I can tell you I feel old as well, especially right now with a cold raging through my body."

"I don't mind being one of the grandads of the team - you need a bit of experience mixed in with all the youth. Twenty20 cricket should be about the young players, they are exciting cricketers who can do things that us oldies might struggle with," he added.

The 32-year-old further said that he enjoys the role of a senior player and helping the younger lads where possible.

"In truth, they don't really need too much showing round these days because the system is such that players are ready for England when they're picked. Rather than being wide-eyed and wet behind the ears like a few people used to be, the players that come in now are serious cricketers," the Daily Mirror quoted Swann, as saying.

"They know why they are there and get on with the job instead of having their hand held. These kids don't mess about anymore... it's usually me doing that," he added. (ANI)