Talks of Warne’s comeback shows Australia in selection panic: Swann

LONDON - England spinner Graeme Swann is confident that Australian cricket legend Shane Warne will not be coming out of retirement, and said that the fact the idea has been brought up, shows Australia are in selection panic after going 1-0 down in the Ashes series.

Speculation that Australia’s all-time leading wicket taker could return to Test cricket has intensified after England’s innings-and-71-run win in Adelaide.

Warne has not ruled out the idea of a return, and has stated that the calls for him to come back are “very flattering”.

“I very much doubt that Shane Warne would come out of retirement to play just in these three games. It’s very good for us that the Aussies are doing this and the Aussie public are looking for Shane to get back in,” SKY news quoted Swann, as saying.

“He’s not played any cricket for so long. We’ll just carry on as we are and let the Aussies worry about that,” he said.

Swann, who helped England to victory with five second-innings wickets in the second Test at Adelaide, will be rested for the tour match against the Victorian Bushrangers, which starts on Friday.

“I’m not playing in this game. I’ve been given the chance to recuperate. After bowling 70 overs my hands are almost falling off. I’m very thankful I’ve been given the game off,” Swann said. (ANI)