Cook says Swann's retirement 'opportunity' for younger players to 'grab chances'

England captain Alastair Cook feels Graeme Swann's sudden retirement will signal the start of a new dawn rather than a descent into the wilderness, according to reports.

According to the Mirror, Cook has told England's younger players to grab their chance of a place in his long-term Test plans.

Graeme Swann's sudden retirement from an ageing squad that has lost the Ashes with still two matches to play has left questions over the break-up of a team that is on the downslope, the report said.

Cook said that it gives the opportunity for younger players to grab their chances, adding that it is exciting because the England team will be moving in a different direction.