Sunday 22 December 2013 19:07, UK
England spinner Graeme Swann has stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from the game with immediate effect.
"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." Australia coach Darren Lehmann was taken aback to hear the England off-spinner has called time on his career. "It was a bit of a surprise," he said, on his arrival in Melbourne for the Boxing Day Test. "He's been a great cricketer for England over many years, so I wish him all the best in retirement. "It's mid-tour - I don't know what's going on - but obviously he's decided he's had enough. "So congratulations on a great career - he'll go home as one of the England greats. "Obviously he feels the time is right, and that's his decision."