Monty Panesar has leapt to the defence of his former England teammate Graeme Swann after he received widespread criticism for his controversial jibe.

The 34-year-old spinner announced his shock retirement from cricket on Sunday and has now courted a storm by claiming that there are players in the dressing room who are "up their own backsides", which drew an angry response from ex-captain Michael Vaughan.

"We know Swanny, we know where his heart is — he's right behind us and we're right behind him," Panesar said.

England are 3-0 down with two Tests left to play in The Ashes.