• The Ashes

Swann denies parting shot at England team

Graeme Swann insisted he was not talking about the England team when making comments to the press at the MCG © Getty Images

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Graeme Swann has reiterated comments he made following the announcement of his immediate retirement from all forms of cricket were not to do with "the England dressing room or anyone in it."

Speaking at the MCG in Melbourne, the former England spinner blasted several players for being "up their own backsides." However, when questioned by former England captain Michael Vaughan over social networking site Twitter, Swann assured he was not talking about any of his ex-team-mates preparing for the fourth Ashes Test.

"Some people playing the game at the minute have no idea how far up their own backsides they are and it will bite them on the arse one day," Swann said. "And, when it does, I hope they look back and are embarrassed about how they carry on. No names."

@MichaelVaughan don't jump to conclusions Vaughney. I wasn't talking about the England dressing room or anyone in it. You too bbc.

— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) December 22, 2013

Swann went on to suggest he had enjoyed every minute representing his country, maintaining it was a "privilege" to play for England.

"I hope my legacy is someone who always enjoyed it, who always played with a smile on his face - sometimes a snarl when the fielders mis-fielded," Swann said. "Since I got back in the England team, I've treated every day like a lottery win.

"It really annoys me when people take it for granted and get above their station - because they shouldn't. It's the most privileged thing any man can do. I hope people will look back and say, 'Yeah, he did always play with a smile on his face and enjoyed himself'."

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