Swann wished his captain and long time friend all the best for the future

England off-spin bowler Graeme Swann has paid an emotional tribute towards Test captain Andrew Strauss after he announced his retirement last week.

Swann stated that he was shocked and saddened when he came to know about Strauss’ decision to quit, and also noted that he was glad to have served under one of his best friends from childhood.

Writing in his column for The Sun, Swann said: “It came as a huge shock when we were told after the game on Tuesday evening that Andrew Strauss was going to retire. Straussy, with typical class and thoughtfulness, had written individual letters to the players, I chose not to read mine in the dressing room as I had a feeling I might not be able to maintain my composure. Instead, I went to the car and had a read before I drove home. I’d rather not divulge the exact contents but it was a very sentimental moment because Straussy has been a dear friend for a long time.”

Swann stated that he had nothing but respect for his captain and long time friend.

“We go back 12 or 13 years to when we were kids and sharing a room at the England Academy in Adelaide. I love Straussy to bits. He’s been captain in all but a couple of my Tests and there is nobody I admire or respect more. I couldn’t be more proud to call him a mate,” Swann added.

Even though Swann admitted that Strauss’ final days as captain were anything but great, he believes that his friend exited the international cricketing scene as a proud man with his head held high.

“Straussy’s final fortnight wasn’t ideal and it’s a shame circumstances outside his control led to that situation. But I hadn’t seen any diminished potency in his captaincy. I know he hasn’t been scoring the huge runs he expected of himself but I always felt a sense of serene calm whenever he and Cooky walked to the wicket to open, his head is held high. Straussy took us to No 1 and without him we would have been nowhere near. He’s gone on his own terms, he’s not been hounded out. Yes, Andrew Strauss says goodbye at the top,” Swann said.