Shane Warne says departing bowler Graeme Swann’s lashing of his England teammates may have been designed to fire them up for the final two Ashes matches.
Swann’s shock announcement of his immediate retirement from international cricket following Australia’s 3-0 series lead and his subsequent comments has led to fierce criticism.
The off-spinner reportedly told English journalists that some players “have no idea how far up their own backsides they are”.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan was one to speak up against Swann, saying he had made a “mistake”.
But Warne defended Swann, claiming before his retirement that the Englishman was the best active spin bowler with 255 wickets from 60 Tests.
“It’s an emotional time for Graeme,” Warne said.
“And hopefully that was a way to lift the guys and say: `Come on, pull your heads out and let’s finish the tour on a high.'”
The all-time spin great hoped Swann would be remembered for his on-field heroics and not his acrimonious departure from the game.
“I don’t think it’s about harping on the negative things,” Warne said.
“I think Graeme Swann’s been an amazing bowler for England and it’s about celebrating his career.
“He’s doing the right things for his team and for himself and we should be all praising Graeme Swann.”
Warne was speaking at an Advanced Hair Studio announcement, alongside another of its clients Graham Gooch.
The former Test skipper denied talk of in-fighting in the England camp and said the three-nil scoreline meant the media was looking for answers to the team’s quick demise.
“We’ve got to look forward, not back,” Gooch said.
“He’s (Swann) been a fine, fine cricketer for England and has been a very influential bowler over the last few years.
“It’s going to be a big hole out of the England team.”