Graeme Swann regrets the absence of England's premier cheerleader 'Billy the Trumpet' for his home Ashes Test - but has reluctantly accepted the decision to ban musical instruments at Trent Bridge.
Swann describes it as a "shame" 'Barmy Army' trumpeter Billy Cooper will not be allowed to serenade England's Test cricketers, as he has so often and memorably elsewhere in the world, in this week's first match of the Investec series.
Nottinghamshire have been sticklers in the policy they share with Lord's - venue for the second Ashes Test next week - to keep all musical instruments outside the ground, and have made it abundantly clear they will not be changing their tune.
England and Nottinghamshire off-spinner Swann said: "Personally I think it is a shame.
"I know the whole team are behind Billy, and the Barmy Army are a massive part of the English team."
Several of Swann's team-mates used their Twitter accounts to try to lobby the administrators at Trent Bridge to have a rethink.
But it has become clear there will not be, and the man whose timely tunes have accompanied many of England's most memorable triumphs home and abroad will be silenced in Nottingham.
Swann added: "Nottinghamshire have their rules - as Lord's do, I think.
"It's a shame in this day and age they can't be bent for this occasion.
"But so be it - it's not my decision."
