Ponting orchestrates praise for Lee

Ricky Ponting and James Sutherland flank Brett Lee, who retired from Test cricket at the Sydney Cricket Ground today

Australia captain Ricky Ponting led the plaudits for Brett Lee, who announced his retirement from Test cricket today following a string of painful injuries.

Lee, who took 310 wickets in 76 Tests at 30.81, faces lengthy rehabilitation after elbow surgery in December, but aims to continue his international career in Australia’s limited-overs teams.

Ponting has himself retired from Twenty20 internationals but hopes to play alongside 33-year-old Lee in the 50-over game.

“Doing what he does, running 35 metres every ball that he bowls, bowling every ball at close to 150kph and putting his heart on the line every ball he bowls, this guy deserves a massive pat on the back,” said Ponting, sitting alongside Lee at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“His winning strike-rate and ratio in games that he’s played for Australia is up there with the greats, and I will cherish every opportunity I have to play with Brett in the shortened form of the game from here on in.

“I and the rest of the team obviously wish him the best with his recovery, and hopefully he gets the green and gold back on and is out there representing Australia.”

Turning to Lee, Ponting added: “Congratulations, mate, on what’s been an amazing Test career.”

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke is also looking forward to seeing Lee continue in the international arena.

“He’s been a wonderful player in all three forms of the game for a long time,” said Clarke, who is also Lee's team-mate at New South Wales. “He's a very good friend of mine and someone that I'll continue enjoying playing international cricket with.

"I wish him all the success with his future but he's still going to be playing international cricket so I'm looking forward to him getting back on the park and getting out there and representing Australia again.”

An iconic image: Andrew Flintoff consoles Lee immediately after England's two-wicket victory at Edgbaston in 2005

England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, who famously consoled Lee after England’s two-run Ashes victory at Edgbaston in 2005, empathised with his decision to retire following his string of injuries.

“It is very sad to hear the news that Brett is to retire from Test cricket," Flintoff told www.cricket.com.au.

“I have always found him a really tough competitor every time I have played against him but I know he has been struggling with injuries in recent months.

“From my own experience, I know how hard it is to keep performing at the highest level when you have a series of injuries but I am sure Brett will be remembered by cricket lovers everywhere as an outstanding athlete, a great fast bowler and a key part of Australia’s success.

“I always got on very well with him off the pitch and he was one of those players who tried everything to get you out, but would be the first to offer you a beer as soon as the match was over.

“Everyone will remember our little moment we shared after the Edgbaston Test in 2005, but for me the great battles with bat and ball against Brett will live with me for a long time.”

Lee’s former international team-mate Justin Langer added: “There are few better sights in the game of cricket than Brett Lee in white, sweat band pumping, high leap, poetic followthrough and then a smile.

“I am just glad I was on his side and not having to face him. Test cricket will be poorer without Brett, who, apart from his fitness and skill, is one of the most likeable people I have met in the game of cricket. His presence in white and green will be missed.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland paid tribute to Lee’s efforts with the national side since making his debut in 1999, when he claimed 5-47 against India.

Lee makes Rahul Dravid his second Test victim en route to 5-47 in the first innings of his Australia debut in December 1999

“I remember seeing him debut at the MCG against India in the Boxing Day Test back in 1999,” said Sutherland, also flanking Lee.

“He bowled a very quick spell that had the Indian batsmen ducking for cover and straightaway I think we all knew then that we were watching the birth of a great fast bowler.”

Lee leaves the Test scene as Australia’s fourth-highest wicket-taker, behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee.

“To finish his Test career sitting fourth on Australia’s list of Test wicket-takers, behind names such as Warne, McGrath and Lillee is a fantastic achievement,” Sutherland continued.

National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch added: “Brett has made an outstanding contribution to the Australian Test team over a long period and it has been a great pleasure to see him develop as a person and a cricketer over that period.”