graeme swan pulls up stumps, page-30

Retired England off-spinner Graeme Swann has sparked speculation about team disunity by accusing unnamed players of being "up their own backsides".

While Swann did not specifically name anyone, his comments made at his retirement announcement at the Melbourne Cricket Ground have been interpreted as referring to England team-mates - a notion he later refuted.

"Some people playing the game at the minute have no idea how far up their own backsides they are," Swann said after his retirement announcement.

"It will bite them on the arse one day and when it does I hope they look back and are embarrassed about how they carried on."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan responded to Swann's remarks on Twitter, drawing a response from the retired off-spinner that has since been deleted.

"So @Swannyg66 says some England players heads are up their own Arse???? Which ones exactly??" Vaughan said.

"I agree with @Swannyg66 that some players are getting ahead of themselves but I don't think he should have said it the day after retiring."

Swann replied soon after, denying he was referring to his England team-mates.

"Don't jump to conclusions Vaughney. I wasn't talking about the England dressing room or anyone in it. You too bbc," Swann replied - a Tweet which he deleted not long afterwards.

Swann then Tweeted again, this time saying: "Just because Derek Pringles writes something I find it astonishing that people buy into it?! Making stuff up sells papers I suppose."

Vaughan seemed unwilling to accept Swann's version of events, replying soon after: "We all make mistakes @Swannyg66 .. I make plenty ... I am afraid on this occasion you have made one."

Swann's abrupt retirement on Sunday is another blow to the touring Englishmen whose Ashes tour has unravelled.

Australia has reclaimed the Ashes and is on track for a series whitewash ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

AAP

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-23/swann-bites-back-at-players/5172440