Graeme Swann says England's ODI approach similar to `two-litre diesel in F1 race`

Retired England spinner Graeme Swann has said on Friday that the team's current approach to ODIs was akin to a two-litre diesel in Formula One race, reiterating his call to Alastair Cook to stand down as the nation's ODI captain and quit limited overs internationals completely.

The former off-spinner, who retired from international duty during England's 5-0 Ashes thrashing in Australia, had first urged Cook to stand down on Monday, saying that the side did not have a cat in hell's chance of winning next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Cook rejected his one-time teammate's comments by branding Swann as a 'so-called friend' following England's 133-run defeat by India in the second ODI in Cardiff on Wednesday, Sport24 reported.

However, Swann has said that real mates are honest with each other, and added that he is no longer in the England dressing room and it is his job now as a pundit to give his honest thoughts. Swann said that he thinks as being one-day captain is a 'poisoned chalice' for Cook, and added that the skipper just doesn't need the job. He said that the cricket England is playing in the 50-over cricket is outdated and he fears it would be a painful winter for the team.

Swann added that he is still a huge supporter of Cook's captaincy in Test cricket. But, the retired spinner said that in one-day matches, he wants England to play the exciting cricket they promised six months ago when Peter Moores took over as head coach. He said that they are happy to 'tootle' along in a two-litre diesel in a Formula One race.

Swann said that England must change their strategy to have any chance of winning the World Cup.