Swann's matter is closed down, says Cook

England captain Alastair Cook has said that for him, the matter of spinner Graeme Swann's sudden retirement from international cricket and his subsequent controversial comments, is closed down.

Battling to fend off a five-nil Ashes series defeat, England is trying hard to draw a line under the Swann affair, which was further intensified after it emerged he had accused some international players of being in danger of disappearing up their own backsides.

However, News.com.au reports that although the comments were interpreted as an attack on England batsman Kevin Pietersen, Pietersen said that he had been called worse by Australian crowds in recent weeks, and Swann and Cook both said it was not directed at the England players.

However, the duo admitted that the comments were not a case of friendly fire, with Cook adding that he now believes that the entire matter has closed down.

England trail three-nil in the five-match series, with star pace bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad battling form and a foot injury respectively and wicketkeeper/batsman Matt Prior's place in the team under scrutiny.