Swann's record speaks for itself, and those with strong personalities are a bonus for the game (we've certainly lacked them in recent years in this country). Any off-spinner averaging 30 in test matches is a fine bowler (fine slips fieldsman also).
For England, it is hard to reach the top of world cricket, but harder to stay there. I think they are realizing this now. They have become the hunted, and a quick glance at the batting averages in the series to date unveils how successful the tacticians in the Australian camp have been in bringing undone the English top order.
What is going to be telling is whether the English selectors go for youth to replace impending retirements. Or will they follow Australia's path of recent years - to bring in mature players who are good in the first class arena, but struggle in test matches. As an Australian, I hope they take the second option.
