England's Swann retires from cricket

England off-spinner Graeme Swann has announced his retirement from cricket.

The 34-year-old Nottinghamshire player has taken only seven wickets during this winter's Ashes series defeat and has ruled himself out of the rest of the tour in Australia.

Swann took 255 wickets in 60 Tests - the sixth highest tally for England.

Swann in numbers

• Took 255 wickets in 60 Tests matches at an average of 29.96
• Appeared in 79 one-day internationals, claiming 104 scalps at 27.76
• Made 39 Twenty20 international appearances, earning 51 wickets at 16.84

"This decision has been very difficult seeing as the England team has been my family for seven years now, but I feel it is the right time," he said.

"I don't regret a single day of my career. Every high has been celebrated with verve and vigour and every low painfully accepted as a chance to learn and improve."

Swann's shock decision comes at the end of a week in which Australia secured an unassailable 3-0 series lead with two Tests to play and the player apologise for making comments on Facebook comparing his team's loss with rape.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said: "It was a bit of a surprise. It's mid-tour - I don't know what's going on - but obviously he's decided he's had enough.

"He's been a great cricketer for England over many years, I wish him all the best in retirement. He'll go home as one of the England greats."

Following the departure of batsman Jonathan Trott with a stress-related illness earlier in the tour, Swann's retirement further unsettles the England team ahead of the fourth Test, which starts in Melbourne on Boxing Day.

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Graeme Swann: "It's time for someone else to strap themselves in and enjoy the ride - like I have done"

"I know I'm making the decision for the right reasons," added Swann.

"My body doesn't like playing five-day cricket any more and I don't feel I can justify my spot in the team in the latter stages of a game.

"As a spinner, that's when you need to come into your own.

"With two games to go in Australia and then a fiercely competitive summer against Sri Lanka and India, I feel that it is a great time for someone else to strap themselves in and hopefully enjoy the ride as much as I have."

Swann, first named in an England squad back in 1999-2000, made his Test debut in 2008 and took four wickets against India in Chennai.

He established a reputation for taking wickets in the first over of a spell and became the sixth-highest wicket-taker for his country.

Analysis

"If anyone had been in any doubt after the Ashes were lost with those three thumping defeats, Graeme Swann's retirement confirms that this is the definitive end of the era for this England team.

"The question now, with this tour falling apart and a possible 5-0 'Pomwash' on the cards, is who might go next. Andy Flower? Kevin Pietersen?"

Despite struggling with elbow problems in recent years, Swann played in three Ashes series victories and helped England become the number one Test side in the world in 2011.

He also took 104 wickets in 79 one-day internationals after making his debut against South Africa in Bloemfontein in 2000 at the age of 20 and spent a spell as the top-ranked ODI bowler in 2011.

In addition, he helped England clinch their first major global world title at the 2010 World Twenty20 in the Caribbean.

"My personal highlights include the three Ashes victories, which I will cherish for the rest of my life, and the World T20 victory in the West Indies, which ranks as my limited overs highlight," he added.

"I have met, played with and against, and become friends with some magnificent people throughout my journey and feel truly privileged to have been given these opportunities."

Swann was successfully targeted by Australia's batsman during the current Ashes series

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said Swann had quit "too soon".

He said:  "Spinners of his quality are a rare breed. Of all the England players over the last 20 years he is the one the team will miss the most."

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew described Swann as a "true character" who had made a "massive contribution" to England.

Agnew said:  "The general feeling was that this might be Swann's last tour, but this is unexpected. England's greatest challenge is replacing the man who was the lynchpin to their four-man attack."

England team director Andy Flower paid tribute to Swann's "outstanding contribution" to the team.

"His commitment, competitive spirit and sense of humour have been recognised and admired by team-mates and supporters alike," he said. "He has played a big part in England's success over the last five years."

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