Clarke leads praise for retired Strauss

England captain Andrew Strauss announced his retirement from professional cricket with immediate effect on Wednesday.

Following is a selection of tributes from his fellow players: Australia captain Michael Clarke on Twitter: "Big congratulations to Andrew Strauss on a great career. Still is a very good player and a lovely man. Can only wish him the best for the future."

South Africa test captain Graeme Smith on Twitter: "Just want to congratulate Andrew Strauss on a great career as captain and player for England.

"Fully appreciate the demands of captaining your country. It was always a great contest playing against Andrew and his team and I wish him well in his future." England fast bowler Stuart Broad on Twitter: "Awesome guy, great leader, dependable batsman and a solid first slip catcher.

"Cheers Straussy, you'll be playing scratch golf within a year," added Broad, referring to his former captain's news conference comment about spending more time on the golf course.

England spinner Graeme Swann on Twitter: "An emotional day with Straussy hanging up his boots. What a great captain, brilliant player and most importantly fantastic bloke." England all-rounder Tim Bresnan on Twitter:

"Andrew Strauss is the epitome of professionalism. A great leader, wonderful team mate and all-round nice bloke. I wish him well for the future."

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