Swann will leave big hole - Vaughan

Graeme Swann will be missed by England more than any other player in the last 20 years, according to former captain Michael Vaughan.

The 34-year-old has announced his retirement from England duty having taken 255 Test wickets - the most by any off-spinner in his country's history - as well as being a key member of the dressing room.

In a series of tweets, Vaughan said: "Of all the England players over the last 20 yrs he is the one the team who miss the most .. Spinners of his quality are a rare breed...

"He has also been a brilliant character who plays the game how it should be played .. With a energy of fun and humour.. #OldSchool"

Former England coach David Lloyd praised Swann's selflessness.

He tweeted: "Swann retirement... Been a brilliant bowler in International cricket . Not about individual records for him."

Not all were 100% complimentary, though.

Derek Pringle, who took 70 Test wickets for England, criticised Swann's timing.

He tweeted: "Swann took 255 Test wkts and has been terrific bowler for England. Unless injured tho he should have seen Ashes tour out as a senior player."

Mick Newell, director of cricket at Swann's county Nottinghamshire, said Swann's carefree demeanour belied a studious attitude to the game.

"He joined us with a reputation for not taking things seriously but I found him to be very thoughtful about his cricket and very committed to improving his game," Newell told trentbridge.co.uk.

"He knows how to perk up a dressing room and he was an outstanding character to have in a cricket team.

"Swanny has been a dominant performer in Test cricket for six years and it will leave a huge gap in the England team because there is no outstanding spinner quite ready to fill the place that he will leave.

"His chance on the international scene came very late after a long period in county cricket but he grasped it and surpassed all expectations with his achievements at the highest level."