Hmm, not sure if i'd go that far. Would still put Thorpe, KP, Stewart, Flintoff ahead of him.
But along with KP & Flintoff - he could one of hardest, of the best players of the last 20 years, to be replaced adequately.
In Stokes - the Flintoff replacement has come quicker than the Botham all-rounder replacement, it seems. However, ENG are not going to find another KP style batsmen anytime soon.
With Swann given that he is clearly the first world class spinner ENG had since Underwood & best off-spinner since Laker - ENG may not have such a spinner for a while. We may have to go back to days of having Giles/Croft/Tuffnell type spinners who were just support bowlers to the pacemen.
Let's not get carries away with Stokes being an adequate replacement for Flintoff, there is still a lot we must see. I remember a time when Broad was supposedly an adequate replacement too.
I believe Monty should play in the next match but the ECB obviously isn't filling him with confidence after calling up two further spin options, this is absolutely horrendous man management, on the level of Pakistan or the Windies. Finn, not two days ago came out and said he no longer felt the confidence he once had, eluding to being dropped in previous series's, for what to me, seemed like no good reason. What is happening to the once thorough and highly thought of ECB? Why are they treating our lads like dirt, some of them anyway?
I was thinking about this a bit more and it almost feels like a bereavement. Swann has been England heart and soul for the last few years and a little something magic dies with his retirement.
I can't be bothered with the clowns who talk about selfish timing or protecting his average (sorry clowns). The guy deserves our total respect and admiration.
The best England player of the last 20 years.
I have the utmost respect for Swann as a player, he has put together one of the best careers in recent times, won multiple honours with england, lifted an international trophy and has been, along with Ajmal, the best spinner on the planet. Hats off to him!
Problem is, whether you like it or not, being as instrumental as he is (something you yourself have eluded to) retiring midway through a series where England are 3-0 down stinks of selfishness. It's the way it is. As a fan of Swann I find my own assessment quite harsh but it's the truth. Swann should not be given a free pass, especially following his "up their backsides" quotes lol