Monty Panesar defends Graeme Swann swipe

Monty Panesar has leapt to the defence of his former England teammate Graeme Swann after he received widespread criticism for his controversial jibe.

The 34-year-old spinner announced his shock retirement from cricket on Sunday and has now courted a storm by claiming that there are players in the dressing room who are "up their own backsides", which drew an angry response from ex-captain Michael Vaughan.

"We know Swanny, we know where his heart is — he's right behind us and we're right behind him," Panesar said.

England are 3-0 down with two Tests left to play in The Ashes.