Ponting lauds Kumble

Australia captain Ricky Ponting led the tributes to India captain Anil Kumble who retired today as the third Test between the sides ended in a draw.

Kumble, 38, revealed that he had already decided to quit at the end of the four-Test series, but injuries forced him to reconsider and step down with immediate effect.

He played no part in the second Test - which India won - because of a shoulder problem, and he was sidelined for much of this encounter with a finger injury.

At today’s post-match presentation, Ponting hailed Kumble’s competitive spirit in a career spanning 131 Tests and 619 wickets.

“I’d like to congratulate Anil Kumble on behalf of the Australia team for an outstanding career,” said Ponting.

“He’s a great competitor and I said to him as he was coming out that every single Australia player I’ve spoken to has always been delighted with the way he plays the game.

“He’s one of the modern-day greats of the game.”

Ricky Ponting congratulates Anil Kumble as India's captain leaves the Test arena for the final time

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Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin added: "A remarkable cricketer has retired today. He is a great human being with a great work ethic.

"He was so hard-working that he rose above the limitations that his bowling had in the beginning.

"He was never one to shy away from challenges. When I led the team, he was one bowler who wanted to keep bowling all the time so much so that I had to ask him to take a breather sometimes.

"In my book, he is the greatest spinner after Shane Warne and his achievements speak for themselves."

India’s chief selector and former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth said: “He is a brilliant captain and has motivated lots of youngsters.

“I think he is the only player without a single controversy in his career as a cricketer. That's his greatest quality.

“I think an era has ended today.”

Team-mate VVS Laxman, who notched a double hundred and an unbeaten half century in the third Test, said scoring runs in Kumble’s last match was “special”.

“I will always remember it,” said Laxman. “He has been a great inspiration to me and will be for generations to come.

“All of us are really proud and we wish him a successful career after cricket and thank him for all he has achieved and contributed to Indian cricket.”