Graeme Swann has claimed that he has a serious side ahead of England's Twenty20 matches against the West Indies.

The spinner, who is known to be one of the jokers in the dressing room, has been named as captain after regular skipper Stuart Broad was ruled out through injury, and he is aware that he needs to set an example to the younger players who have been included in the squad.

"For all the impression I give about messing around all the time, it is not always like that," Swann told reporters.

"Most of the joshing around is in the Anderson-Bresnan corner, but I have curbed that this week because I can't be seen to be taking the mickey out of my players. Some of these guys are coming in for the first time, so they are wide eyed and excited about playing."

The first of England's two Twenty20 matches against the West Indies takes place tomorrow (Friday) at The Oval.