Vaughan, Boycott defend Graeme Swann over `timing` of retirement

Johannesburg: Former England stars Michael Vaughan and Geoffrey Boycott expressed their admiration for spin bowler Graeme Swann on Sunday after he abruptly announced his retirement from the sport, according to reports.

According to Sport24, Swann, 34, bows out with immediate effect, meaning he will play no part in the final two Tests of the Ashes tour of Australia, when England will bid to restore pride after going 3-0 down and surrendering the urn. Former England bowler Derek Pringle criticised the timing of Swann`s decision, writing on Twitter that the off-spinner should have seen the tour out as a senior player, the report said. However, former captain Vaughan said that Swann`s recent struggles with an elbow problem, which has seen him undergo three operations, suggested that he had reached the point of no return, the report added. Vaughan admitted that he was surprised by Swann`s timing, but dismissed the suggestion that his former teammate had put himself before the team, the report further said. Former opener Boycott praised Swann`s honesty for admitting that he was past his best, the report mentioned.