Alastair Cook Lashes Out at Swann over Retirement Comments

England skipper Alastair Cook has taken exception to former teammate Graeme Swann's comment that he should retire from ODI cricket.

Cook disagreed with Swann's opinion and felt it has come at a time when the former England off-spinner could have supported him.

"He's entitled to his opinion, but it's not ideal for me, especially when you get through the summer I've had," BBC Sport quoted Cook.

Swann had stated that Cook should walk away from ODIs.

"I don't think he should be bothering playing one-day cricket anymore. He doesn't need to," Swann had said.

Cook made it clear that he felt let down that such a comment has come from somebody whom he considered a friend.

"I don't think it's that helpful, especially from a so-called friend."

And with the 2015 World Cup only a few months away, the England skipper reckoned the timing of Swann's criticism was not the best.

"It's not helpful at this time, because I am going to be captain in this World Cup," Cook pointed out.

In addition to asking Cook to retire, Swann had also said that England do not stand a chance in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The England captain, however, feels differently. Cook, who has been captain for a few years now, reckoned England could have success in the World Cup.

"I've done it for three-and-a-half years. We're going to build up to that, and we've got a good chance,'" he stressed.

Swann may believe that Cook at present does not cut it as an ODI player but the skipper has backing within his team. Batsman Joe Root threw his weight behind Cook recently.

'He's a fantastic player and has got all of our support," The Guardian quoted Root.

Cook will be delighted to hear that but more runs with the bat and wins as skipper will no doubt delight him more.