Spinner Graeme Swann caused somewhat of a shock last night when he announced that he was to retire from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.
The 34-year-old had found wickets hard to come by during the ongoing Ashes in Australia, but from his 60 Tests overall, he claimed a total of 255 dismissals.
With such figures, there has been plenty of reaction to the news on the social networking site Twitter. Below, Sports Mole has picked out some of the best posts.
"Huge congratulations to @Swannyg66 on a great career in cricket.I will miss your constant put downs and abuse of my mental capacity. Also, many batsmen around the world have just exhaled a huge sigh of relief. Due to your constant challenge of the stumps and prodigious spin."
England bowler Tim Bresnan
"Congrats @Swannyg66 on a amazing career! Gutted to see you finish but wish you all the luck for the future to you and the family. #legend."
England one-day international batsman Luke Wright
"Congrats @Swannyg66 ...always had the feeling you knew it was just a game - one you played bloody well!"
Former England batsman Mark Butcher
"IMO England would never have made it to No1 without you, congrats on a great career @Swannyg66."
England and Durham bowler Graham Onions
"Congrats Swanny...sad day for cricket. The game needs players like you!! Good luck for future whatever it holds!"
England woman's skipper Charlotte Edwards
"Big congrats to @Swannyg66 on a great career. Priveledge to have played with an against. Still has the title of funniest sledge ever."
England one-day international bowler Jade Dernbach
"Congratulations to @Swannyg66 on a magnificent career. He's one of the main reasons England's done so well. Good luck in your retirement."
Former Australian bowler Glenn McGrath
A great friend and team mate retired 2day. Been a pleasure to play and tour for Notts and England with @Swannyg66 pic.twitter.com/xt5KMmBQ4a
— Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) December 22, 2013
"Congratulations on a fantastic career @Swannyg66 thank you for the laughs, memories and smiles!! Good luck mate,you are going to be missed!"
England batsman Jonathan Bairstow
"Congrats to @Swannyg66 on a fine career. Many a left hander will be celebrating! A high class bowler & very funny man!"
Former England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart
"Congrats @Swannyg66 on a great career! Will be sorely missed on and off the field! #legend."
England pace bowler Boyd Rankin
"@Swannyg66 great career Swanny. All the best for the next phase in your life. I am sure you will find something to do! #wellplayed."
Former Australian bowler Jason Gillespie
"Congratulations to Graeme Swan on a great career! #Ashes enjoyed his banter and fight good bowler!"
Current Australian coach Darren Lehmann
"All the talk of @Swannyg66 jumping ship is utter nonsense...He has made the right call for the team.. He knew he wouldn't make 2015."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan
"It's been an absolute honour playing with @Swannyg66. Congrats on an amazing career mate u can be a very proud man! #englandlegend."
England wicket-keeper Matt Prior
"Sad to see @Swannyg66 retire today. Going to miss you a lot. Congratulations on a fantastic career. Hope the next chapter is as exciting!"
England bowler Steven Finn
