A host of cricketers past and present have paid tribute to Australia batsman Ricky Ponting, who has decided to retire from Test cricket.
The 37-year-old, who has chosen to call time on his 17-year career with the Aussies, boasts 13,336 Test runs. The tally is only second to that of India's Sachin Tendulkar.
Ponting will end his Test career following the third Test against South Africa, which starts tomorrow in Perth.
Following Ponting's announcement, former teammates and opponents have taken to Twitter to praise on a number of occasions.
Kevin Pietersen
"Ricky Ponting RETIRES.... ONE OF THE GREATS! I always got excited playing AUS, so I could watch him bat up close. Well done Punter! #legend."
Stuart Broad
"Huge respect for how Ponting played the game. Tough competitor Aussies will miss him. 100 at Perth to finish?"
Graeme Swann
"You have to take your hat off to Ricky Ponting calling time on a magnificent career. Hell of a player."
Shane Warne
"Congrats to Ricky Ponting on an amazing career, well done Punter...Enjoy your last match in Perth buddy, was a pleasure playing with you!!!"
Michael Vaughan
"The best batsman I had the privilege to play against ... Ricky Ponting... #Punter Australia cricket will not be the same without him..."
