Graeme Swann has worked out the key to Test match success – ‘play like you do in the back garden’.

England’s world number one spin bowler was again central to their success, with seven wickets in the match, as they went 1-0 up with three to play in the Ashes at the Adelaide Oval.

The 31-year-old, who has revitalised the art of orthodox finger spin in international cricket, revealed the secret of his wicket-taking knack.

When he returns to the side for next week’s third Test in Perth he will be treating the WACA just like it is the back lawn of his house in West Bridgford.

“The best players in the world – and the best batsmen, I believe – are the ones who treat a Test match as if it’s a knock in the back garden,” he said.

“The pressure doesn’t seem to affect them, and they treat it like the bat-and-ball game they grew up with.”

Swann spent almost a decade back in county cricket, having fallen out of favour with England during the Duncan Fletcher era.

But he has learned the difference between first-class and international matches is largely in the mind.

“The main thing you find out about Test cricket is that it’s exactly the same as county cricket.

“It’s just that the pressure is ramped up 10-fold, and that causes things to happen.”

As for his chances of becoming, outright, the world’s number one-ranked bowler, he insists it will mean nothing if England do not turn their lead into Ashes series victory.

“I couldn’t really give a monkey’s about being number one in the world, if we win the Ashes.

“I’d rather be down at number 20. I could get to number one, and we could lose a Test match – so it wouldn’t matter at all.

“It would be very nice – my mum would be very proud – but I honestly couldn’t give a monkey’s, as long as England win the Ashes.”

In any case, it will always be his mum Mavis whose opinion always carries more weight with him than the ICC rankings.

“As long as she still thinks I’m the best spinner in the world then that’s all that matters,” he said.