Graeme Swann defends quitting Ashes tour midway

Graeme SwannJohannesburg, Oct 17 : Graeme Swann has hit back at Graham Gooch for criticizing his decision of quitting midway through England's 5-0 Ashes series.

Swann quit, with England 3-0 down, in December 2013 after deciding a longstanding elbow injury meant it was no longer possible for him to spin the ball properly, according to Sport24.

Gooch said that Swann's sudden decision to opt out of the series made the team a laughing stock and that it left a bad taste.

Speaking to media, Swann said that Gooch was "very old school" and perhaps if he had gained his perspective on it he might have seen the reasons why he did it.

Swann said that he regretted going to the tour.

He added he had made a mistake in not retiring after England's 3-0 home Ashes win in 2013, the report said. (ANI)