As if a quick series loss, astonishingly easy from Australia’s viewpoint, was not enough for England, the sudden news about Graeme Swann’s mid-series retirement comes as a complete shocker. In a statement made yesterday, the 34-year old Swann said he was retiring from first-class and international cricket with immediate effect. Until recently, Graeme Swann was rated as a top-quality off-spinner, who foxed many batsmen, around the world, with his personal brand of spin-bowling.