Swann won't apologise to Cook for his opinion

England

Former England spinner, and now pundit, Graeme Swann has refused to apologise for his opinions on the England ODI team, after skipper Alastair Cook took offense at his former team-mate's comments.

Former England spinner, and now pundit, Graeme Swann has refused to apologise for his opinions on the England ODI team, after skipper Alastair Cook took offense at his former team-mate's comments.

Swann had said earlier in the week that Cook should step away from the ODI side and let a younger batsman open, and let someone else captain the side. He also said England had a 'cat's chance in hell' of winning the World Cup.

Cook was clearly annoyed by the comments, saying in the wake of his side's defeat to India on Wednesday: "I don't think it's that helpful – especially from a so-called friend."

Swann responded on Friday in <i>The Sun</i>: "Real mates are honest with each other. I'm no longer in the England dressing room and it is my job now as a pundit to give my honest thoughts.

"I think being one-day captain is a poisoned chalice for him. He just doesn't need the job. The cricket England are playing in 50-over cricket is outdated and I fear it will be a painful winter for the team.

"I don't want him to be part of it. This is not a witch-hunt against 'Cookie' and I'm still a huge supporter of his captaincy in Test cricket. But, in one-day matches, I want England to play the exciting cricket they promised six months ago when Peter Moores took over as head coach.

"We're happy to tootle along in a two-litre diesel in a Formula One race. England must change their strategy to have any chance of winning the World Cup.

"I'm 100 per cent behind him as Test captain. But, in one-day cricket, you should pick your 11 best players and choose your captain from there and I don't think he is one of the best 11 players."

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