Cricket story by sport.co.uk, Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:42:57 GMT



Australia captain Ricky Ponting has paid tribute to former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who has announced his retirement from the game.

Ponting locked horns with Vaughan in the 2005 Ashes series and had to concede second best to England, who won back the Ashes for the only time in more than two decades.



"I must admit I'm a bit surprised by his retirement," Ponting said. "It's only a couple of months ago that I was thinking he might be named in the first Test squad by England.



"I thought he might have a bit more to offer international cricket somewhere down the line.



"With him being a contracted player, I thought there was a chance he might have found himself back in the Ashes squad. But Ravi Bopara came in and grabbed his opportunity with both hands.



"I guess it just goes to show with a few of the younger guys coming into the England set-up and grabbing their opportunity, he might have felt his time had passed.



"Michael was an exceptionally skilled and talented player whose record would stack up against most top-order batsmen who have played international cricket.



"He was a distinguished captain who led the side very well. Good luck with what he does after cricket. He was always a highly respected and skilled opponent."