Graeme Swann’s retirement interview

Graeme Swann's retirement interview

England spinner Graeme Swann announced his retirement from international and First-Class cricket with immediate effect on Sunday, just days before the England meet Australia in the fourth Ashes Test at Melbourne.

Swann, who took 255 wickets in 60 Tests and is sixth on the list of Test wicket-takers for England, said defeat in Perth last week, which saw Australia seal the Ashes, had cemented his decision to call it a day.

His abrupt announcement further unsettles England, who trail 3-0 in the series after three heavy defeats and are battling to avoid a humiliating 5-0 series whitewash.

He will miss the fourth Test, starting in Melbourne on Thursday, and the final Test in Sydney and his withdrawal means further disruption for England following the departure of batsman Jonathan Trott earlier in the tour with a stress-related illness.

Read more here – Graeme Swann retirement