Ashes relations take Swann dive
Aussie agitator David Warner has carried his sledging off the field, slamming former England Ashes star Graeme Swann for his TV commentary work in Australia.
Warner labelled Swann a ‘‘waste of money’’ for his work covering the Big Bash League which has taken centre stage across the Tasman ahead of the fifth and final Ashes test in Sydney.
Swann was in the Channel 10 commentary box to help call the Brisbane Heat’s commanding win over the Melbourne Stars at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday night.
‘‘Great to see (Swann) commentating out here,’’ Warner wrote sarcastically on Twitter. ‘‘Thought after being 3-0 down he may have left tour early again.’’
Warner then hashtagged his post ‘‘waste of $$$$ from 10’’.
Right-arm spinner Swann did himself no favours when he retired from international cricket with England having already lost the Ashes during their horror 2013 tour of Australia, in which they were ultimately whitewashed 5-0.
But Swann, never one to take backward step when it comes to opinions, fired back at Warner, the mouthy Aussie opener who finally scored his first century of the summer in the first innings of the Boxing Day test in Melbourne.
Swann suggested the runs had helped Warner finally find his voice. But he also couldn’t resist a dig at Warner’s second innings shocker when he missed the chance for another century by holing out to England skipper Joe Root who is nothing more than a part-time spinner.
‘‘See you’re still only chirping when you’ve got some runs @davidwarner31 #bowlingrooty,’’ Swann replied.