The retired England spinner Graeme Swan has defended skipper Alastair Cook's Ashes performance, declaring the captaincy an impossible task.
Swann, who retired after three Tests of the the 5-nil whitewash, was one of several players who failed to perform in the series.
Cook was variously criticised for being too defensive, too reactive and uninspiring in comparison to opposite number Michael Clarke, but Swann feels he was hamstrung by those around him.
Swann says Cook had to try things as the series went on because the tourists were terrible, saying whatever they did didn't work.
He says no captain could have done any better than Cook.
