Graeme Swann reveals the reason why he quit playing cricket abruptly

Former England off-break spinner, Graeme Swann, recently revealed why he had to hang up his boot in the middle of the Ashes series of 2013 abruptly. Swann disclosed that he has a nervous problem in his elbow which prohibited him from feeling his fingers.

The legendary off-spinner has been part of some of the most memorable triumphs for England which includes three Ashes-winning series and beating India in a Test series after 8 years on their own turf. Together with Monty Panesar, and batting efforts of Alastair Cook and Kevin Pietersen, the England team managed to achieve the feat.

Swann raised many eyebrows when he decided to call it quits in between the Ashes series of 2013 after playing just three out of the five test matches. Australia whitewashed England 5-0 to retain the Ashes. The series is known for Mitchell Johnson’s lethal short pitch bowling which the English batsmen had no answer to. As a result, Graeme Swann was heavily criticised for the timing of his retirement as he prepared to leave the squad in between when the team was struggling.

Swann couldn’t feel his fingers anymore

In a long interview with Sportstarlive, Swann revealed why exactly he decided to hang up his boot abruptly. “I couldn’t feel my fingers anymore. I have a nerve problem in my elbow. I played three matches more than I should have done. I should have never gone to Australia (for the 2013 Ashes). I thought it would be alright and I realized too late that it wasn’t.” expressed the offie.

He then went on to claim that he still desires to play Test cricket and would be ready to give away anything to represent the English side. “I’d have given anything to still be playing Test cricket now. I wouldn’t be in the one-dayers; I wasn’t quick enough in the outfield, wasn’t fit enough. Didn’t like it enough! But Test cricket, I would have played till I dropped dead. I love that game. I miss it massively.” concluded Swann.