Australia coach Darren Lehmann has admitted that he was 'surprised' by Graeme Swann's retirement, but feels that he will go down as one of England's finest players.

Swann, 34, announced on Saturday that he would be quitting all formats of the game, opting not to delay the hanging up of his boots until the end of the current Ashes series, which England trail 3-0.

"It was a bit of a surprise," he told reporters. "He's been a great cricketer for England over many years, so I wish him all the best in retirement.

"It's mid-tour - I don't know what's going on - but obviously he's decided he's had enough. Obviously he feels the time is right, and that's his decision. So congratulations on a great career - he'll go home as one of the England greats."

Swann is England's second highest wicket-taking spinner in Test history, having picked up 255 dismissals at an average of 29.96 in his 60 matches - fewer than only Derek Underwood.