PERTH: Reactions to Ricky Ponting’s announcement yesterday:
South Africa captain Graeme Smith:
“I’ve played a lot against Ricky and he’s certainly the most competitive man I’ve played against. I think the way he played the game and intensity with which he played the game is a credit to him. I think he’s always represented Australia with a lot of dignity and a lot of skill.”
West Indies batting great Brian Lara via Twitter:
“Ricky u will go down as one of the greats! I batted with Ricky once at the MCG, what a great experience that was, 4 such a great cause Tsunami victims. Enjoy ur family, your new team.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland:
“Ricky has ... been single-minded in his view that everything, including his own ambition, must always be second place after whatever was best for the team.”
Australia spin great Shane Warne via Twitter:
“Congrats to Ricky Ponting on an amazing career, well done Punter...Enjoy your last match in Perth buddy, was a pleasure playing with you !!!”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan via Twitter:
“The best batsman I had the privilege to play against ... Ricky Ponting... #Punter played better against me than Sachin did.. Both incredible but if I had to pick one it would be Ricky...”
England batsman Kevin Pietersen via Twitter:
“Ricky Ponting RETIRES.... ONE OF THE GREATS! I always got excited playing AUS, so I could watch him bat up close. Well done Punter!”
Indian batsman Virat Kohli via Twitter:
“Ricky Ponting what an absolute legend. I am glad I had the honour of playing against him. Take a bow #legend #respect”.
