Michael Vaughan has hailed Graeme Swann for his successful career but believes that it was too early for the England spinner to retire from international cricket.

The 34-year-old decided to bow out of the game with two Tests of the current Ashes series still remaining.

"Too soon IMO for Graeme Swann 2 retire but it's been a absolute pleasure watching him perform for many years," the former England captain wrote on his Twitter page. "Finger spin out of the top draw.

"Of all the England players over the last 20 yrs he is the one the team who miss the most... Spinners of his quality are a rare breed... He has also been a brilliant character who plays the game how it should be played... With a energy of fun and humour.."

"The career of @swannyg66... 3 Ashes series wins... 1 T20 WC... 255 Test Wkts... 104 ODI Wkts... 739 FC Wkts... 1 huge chin... #Legend."

Swann made his Test debut for England in December 2008 against India.