England morale blow as Swann retires ahead of fourth Test

Graeme Swann’s decision to retire before the fourth Test came hot on the heels of an apology for crass comments he had made about the Perth Test.

The off-spinner announced on Saturday that he would be quitting international and first class cricket with immediate effect.

Swann explained: “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.

“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.”

The Nottinghamshire bowler had been considering retirement for some time, but, with injury plaguing his bowling, has decided that now is the time to depart.

England won by an innings and 157 in the last Boxing Day Test

Swann, who took 255 wickets in 60 Tests, was an integral part of three Ashes-winning teams however he leaves with England struggling to avoid total humiliation “Down Under”.

Australia currently hold an unassailable 3-0 lead after setting the visitors an unreachable target of 504 at Perth, which, although they tried to chase down, they came up short by 150 runs.

The margins of victory (381 runs in Brisbane, 218 in Adelaide and 150 in Perth) are an accurate reflection of the Aussies’ dominance in this series.

Indeed, so confident are they about further wins, that they let three players take part in the 20 Over Big Bash League this weekend.

One silver lining to emerge from the Perth cloud was the performance of all-rounder Ben Stokes.

The Durham star was playing in just his second Test, but made 120 in the second innings and showed the sort of fight and resolution that England have been missing in the series so far.

He is sure to keep his place in a side that now heads to Melbourne and the MCG.