The Ashes: Graeme Swann blasts 'low life' journalists

England's Graeme Swann has blasted the journalists responsible for attributing quotes to his grandmother.
Graeme Swann has hit back at journalists who approached his grandmother for comment on on his retirement. (Credit: Getty Images)

England's Graeme Swann has hit out at the reporters who spoke to his grandmother about his retirement from cricket.

Swann quit cricket ahead of the Boxing Day Test and after England slumped to a 3-0 Ashes series defeat at the hands of an uncompromising Australia.

The Journal newspaper in Newcastle in the UK grabbed international headlines when it attributed a story to Swann's grandmother Mina Swann blaming Australia for the off-spinner's demise.

"There is something gone wrong there and I blame the Australian players. Not all the Australian players, a certain one," she said.

"I do not think they have been (made) very welcome, the team. He is not easily upset, there is something nasty happened."

On Tuesday, Swann took to Twitter to blast those responsible for the story.

    As if I've even spoken to my gran about this. Pathetic. And those of you insulting her are not worthy of the air you breathe
    - Graeme Swann @Swannyg66 - December 24, 2013

    I've heard of some low forms of journalism before but preying on my 90 yr old gran? Hang your head in shame the low life responsible
    - Graeme Swann @Swannyg66 - December 24, 2013

Swann also made the headlines on Monday when reports emerged he had claimed some unnamed players were "up their own backside".

Swann quickly refuted the claims that these comments were directed at his former team-mates, but offered no further clarification.

The saga surrounding Swann's alleged comments has proven an unwanted distraction for the English camp, who are busily preparing themselves for the Boxing Day Test beginning on Thursday.