Australia (AP) – England spinner Graeme Swann retired today from international cricket with immediate effect while on the Ashes tour of Australia.
The 34-year-old Swann’s retirement comes with two Tests remaining in the series, with England trailing 3-0 and already surrendering the urn to Australia.
“After a great deal of consideration I have decided to call it a day on my international and first class career,” Swann said in a team statement.
“This decision has been very difficult seeing as the England team has been my family for seven years now, but I feel that now is the right time to step down … it is a great time for someone else to strap themselves in and hopefully enjoy the ride as much as I have.”
After England lost the third Test to Australia in Perth earlier this week, Swann was forced to apologize for making comments on Facebook in which he compared his team losing the Ashes series to rape.
Swann is quitting having played 60 Tests since making his debut in 2008, taking 255 Test wickets in the five years. But he has taken only seven wickets during England’s three Test losses so far in Australia.
“I don’t regret a single day of my career,” he said. “Every high has been celebrated with verve and vigour and every low painfully accepted as a chance to learn and improve.”
England team director Andy Flower said Swann made an “outstanding contribution” to the team.
“His commitment, competitive spirit and sense of humour have been recognized and admired by team mates and supporters alike and he has played a big part in England’s success over the last five years,” Flower said.
“The dressing room will be a very different place without Graeme’s unique personality and I would like to wish him all the very best for the future.”
