Graham Swann

[joeluke]

http://a.wattpad.net/cover/4935254-256-k796218.jpg

[VHG]

Unless you have ever played a sport at the highest level you cant possible know what he is going through.

He has been bowling through the pain barrier for a long time, and after losing three tests, and being far away from home for Christmas, he probably decided enough is enough.

Unless you are in his position you cant know what it is like. He is only human after all.

But of course very easy to sit at a computer and criticize.

[Jomlett]

He loves to drive but not to duck...

[jno]

he hasn't really recovered from his elbow operation and clearly has decided that he's never going to be anywhere near his best again.

Nothing unusual or improper about retiring because of injury.

I don't know about being away from home for Christmas, though; I read that his family are with him in Australia.

[sunny-dave]

Joe Luke

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1182/832515480_135f71dced_z.jpg

[joeluke]

So if England were doing better in the current series instead of being on the way to being whitewashed he'd have still retired mid-series?

Don't think so

When the going gets tough etc........

[ChillDoubt]

I actually applauded his decision. There's a good chance it was intimated to him that he would be dropped for the 2 dead rubbers anyway.
If not, it's still good timing because England can at least use the 2 Tests to start rebuilding and shaping the side for next summer and Monty can now take over the mantle of No. 1 spinner.
His decision is the best for him and the England set up.

[aelmpvw]

he's a wonderful spin bowler and slip catcher, not exactly taxing on the body is it?

[gness]

Spot on, Chill.

[ChillDoubt]

Thanks gness.
Also, let's not forget he is England's 6th highest wicket taker and is second only to Underwood as a spinner.
I'd say the lad has done his bit!

[humbersloop]

^wot chill said

[joeluke]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-2528017/You-love-Graeme-Swann-delivers-brutal-parting-barrage-England-players.html

Slagging off his team mates now too, not great preparation for the next test in 3 days time is it?

It's all me, me, me, me, me

[humbersloop]

even if he was talking about the England side - which he says he wasn't - their behaviour after the Oval test shows he may well have a point

calling up Borthwick and Tredwell looks like the start of a plan though, Bairstow for the hapless Prior might be a good move in Melbourne

[Sqad]

\\\\Monty can now take over the mantle of No. 1 spinner.\\\\

That just about sums it up.....what future is there for England's spin attack with Monty as the No1?

and he can't bat.

[joeluke]

^ +1

Panesar is a joke, how anyone who was caught p155ing on nightclub bouncers can represent us is beyond me

[jno]

aelmpvw, yes, spin is extremely taxing on the shoulders/elbows/wrists - whatever the spinner in question uses most. Shane Warne had a shoulder operation (though he swears he hasn't had plastic surgery...) which seeems to have been successful. Swann's had an elbow op, but it clearly hasn't worked as well and he's been particularly ineffective by the fifth day.

[ChillDoubt]

That just about sums it up.....what future is there for England's spin attack with Monty as the No1?
-----------------------
Well, he's the best we've got for now and Boycs is saying the same. But it also means that Borthwick moves closer to a starting berth too in the not too distant future.

And no, he can't bat but in the 2nd Test showed more grit and gumption than the recognised willow swingers and occupied the crease for some time, along with wearing a few!

[grumpy01]

At least with Swann gone we shan't have him and Prior appealing after every delivery.

[carelessgemini]

A great career coming to a sad End. Would ve loved to see more of him in the cricketing field but thats how life goes. Wish you a happy retirement Greame


n-buzzz.blogspot.com

[Unsureme]

Great Player but he's got a nerve calling anyone arrogant.!!