Strauss took England to new peaks of excellence while he was captain

With England Test captain announcing his retirement last week, many of his team-mates and other international players paid their tributes via Twitter.

Australia captain Michael Clarke congratulated Strauss on his career and wished him all the best for the future.

“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,” Clarke said.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith stated that playing against Strauss was always a tough task.

“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,” Smith said.

Strauss’ team-mate Stuart Broad said: “Awesome guy, great leader, dependable batsman and a solid first slip catcher. Cheers Straussy, you’ll be playing scratch golf within a year.”

England off-spinner Graeme Swann stated that he was shocked and saddened by the departure of Strauss.

An emotional day with Straussy hanging up his boots. What a great captain, brilliant player and most importantly fantastic bloke,” Swann said.

England all-rounder Tim Bresnan, who also played under the captaincy of Strauss, said: “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.”