Graeme Swann Announces his Retirement From Cricket

England off-spinner Graeme Swann has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. The 34-year-old has declared that he will not play any further part in the two remaining matches of the Ashes Test series.

The right arm bowler's retirement will open up a place for Monty Panesar who was dropped for the third Test in the Ashes. England trail 3-0 and Swann revealed that he was disappointed by how the series panned out.

Swann had only managed seven wickets in three Test matches of the ongoing Ashes series but was instrumental when Australia visited England. His 26-wicket haul throughout the series helped England win the Ashes in July 2013.

"My body doesn't feel like it can play five-day cricket anymore. It was quite emotional for most of us. I wish the England side all the luck in the world. I'm an England fan and I hope they are the No 1 team in the world again." Swann explained.

He made his debut for England in 2000 during the One Day Internationals (ODI) in South Africa but had to wait for eight years to play his first Test.

Despite starting only in December 2008, Swann has claimed a staggering 255 wickets in 60 Test matches which made him the sixth highest in the country. He has also grabbed 104 wickets in 79 ODIs.

Over the past couple of years, a recurring elbow injury forced him to opt out of the matches against South Africa in 2012 and during England's tour of New Zealand in March 2013. He had to undergo a surgery twice, after which he was recalled to the side for New Zealand's visit to England in the following months.

The England management had nothing but praise for Swann with coach Andy Flower happy with his decision and contribution to the side.

"Graeme Swann has made an outstanding contribution to the England cricket team in all formats throughout an incredibly successful career and I would like to congratulate him on all that he has achieved," Flower said.