Phil Whitticase: 'Jigar Naik can replace Graeme Swann'

Leicestershire's director of cricket Phil Whitticase has claimed that Jigar Naik can be the spinner to fill the void left in the England team by Graeme Swann's retirement.

Swann ended his international career in December during a disappointing tour of Australia and Whitticase believes that Naik has the ability to become England's new first-choice spinner.

"I don't think there is a better off-spinner in the country," Whitticase told BBC Radio Leicester.

"He is really high quality and he has a great opportunity in my eyes.

"We have had these chats. He just has to impress the selectors."

Naik has taken 130 wickets in 53 first-class matches.