Retired English off-spinner Graeme Swann has sparked speculation about team disunity by accusing unnamed players of being "up their own backsides".

Swann did not specifically name anyone, but his comments have been interpreted as referring to England teammates. Telegraph writer Derek Pringle wrote that it "is well known that he and Kevin Pietersen do not send each other Xmas cards".

''Some people playing the game at the minute have no idea how far up their own backsides they are,'' Swann said after his retirement announcement.

''It will bite them on the arse one day and when it does I hope they look back and are embarrassed about how they carry on.''

His abrupt retirement on Sunday is another blow to a team whose Ashes tour has unravelled.

Australia have reclaimed the Ashes and are on track for a series whitewash ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said Swann should not have made the comments so soon after retiring.

''I agree with Swannyg66 that some players are getting ahead of themselves but I don't think he should have said it the day after retiring,'' Vaughan said on Twitter.

Vaughan had earlier commented: ''So Swannyg66 says some England players heads are up their own Arse???? Which ones exactly??''

As a respected senior player in the dressing room @Swannyg66 .. Why didn't you sort players out who got too big for themselves ?? — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 22, 2013

He added: As a respected senior player in the dressing room Swannyg66 Why didn't you sort players out who got too big for themselves ??''

Swann responded to Vaughan on Twitter by writing ''@MichaelVaughan don't jump to conclusions Vaughney. I wasn't talking about the England dressing room or anyone in it. You too bbc''.

He then posted ''Just because Derek Pringles writes something I find it astonishing that people buy into it?! Making stuff up sells papers I suppose''.

Vaughan continued the back and forth by posting ''We all make mistakes @Swannyg66 .. I make plenty ... I am afraid on this occasion you have made one ...''