England spinner Graeme Swann has announced his retirement from cricket with immediate effect, saying it would be selfish for him to keep playing.
The 34 year old says it's the right time to step aside and let England bring in some new blood with the Ashes gone after Australia won the series 3-nil in Perth last week.
He says to selfishly continue playing just to experience another Boxing Day Test match and a Sydney Test, would be wrong.
The off-spinner has been under pressure to keep his place in the England team after taking just seven wickets at an average of 80 in three Ashes Tests.
England will now look to left arm spinner Monty Panesar to help them restore some pride in the remaining two Tests.
Swann exits the international arena having played 60 Tests since making his debut in 2008, taking 255 wickets at 29.96.
Swann also played 79 one-day internationals for England, making his debut in 2000 at the age of 20 against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
He has claimed 104 ODI wickets and in 2011 was the Number one-ranked one-day bowler.