'A good bloke and strong leader'

	Andrew Strauss has received plenty of plaudits for his career © Getty Images Enlarge
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"The team needs and ethics came first. His own performances came second. But it is not his performances; it is how he went about his business. He has inspired his own team and all those who came into it and a generation of young players to place integrity, respect for one another and honesty at all times as the cornerstone of building a powerful team ethic and team spirit which enabled men to want to play for one another and to play at levels that they themselves did not believe they could accomplish.

"And he led by quiet, calm authority, no shouting, no hair dryers, no abuse. He maintained in some extremely difficult, provocative situations, a tranquil, purposeful approach which excited the admiration of all and ensured sensible decisions were reached. Andrew Strauss has embodied everything that the nation expects from an England cricket captain. It has been a rare privilege to work with such a remarkable man."
ECB chairman Giles Clarke

"If you leave having done what Andrew Strauss has in the game - 100 Test matches, triple Ashes winner, led the side so well and been a major part of how England cricket has turned round in the last few years - you can be very proud. To captain a side that has gone to No 1 in the world, beaten the Australians in Australia, and has been part of the 2005 Ashes win as well, that's a long legacy.

"He has always been a true gent as well, which stands out with Straussy. He is a very level man and a strong character. He speaks well, thinks about things. He has all the characteristics of a good leader as we have seen over the last few years. He will be missed as a player but probably most for his leadership in taking England to the top. The composure and dignity he has shown. It is probably what he would like to be remembered for, as a good bloke and a strong leader."
Former team-mate and current selector Ashley Giles

"It is difficult to rank anybody in order but what you would say he is part of a legacy of very fine captains. The good captains probably care much about other people as they do themselves. Like most good leaders he has been consistent, trustworthy, honest and with a good cricket brain. He has probably picked a good time to go. It has been a great period he has gone through."
Peter Moores, Lancashire and former England coach

"He can take an enormous amount of pride from not only the way he has played and captained but also the way he has conducted himself. It is sad for England and sad for Middlesex as well because the career of one of our greatest cricketers has come to an end but he has been a great ambassador for cricket. You turn up to Test matches and wonder if the same buzz is there. You use lots of methods to try to reinvigorate yourself and get your enthusiasm and energy levels up but it is a full-on job, spending most waking hours working out how to try to make this England team better, and it does take its toll.
Angus Fraser, former Middlesex team-mate and now director of cricket

"I don't think it would have changed his mind if the Pietersen incident hadn't happened. I think it's coincidental. I know for a fact he bought a dog a year ago and I told him at the time that if he's bought a dog then retirement is just around the corner. You don't buy a dog for it to sit in the house while you're abroad in India."
Former England team-mate Paul Collingwood

"A fantastic servant to the game of cricket. I am lucky to have played with him."
Former team-mate Matthew Hoggard

And on Twitter

"A.Strauss should be very proud of his outstanding career & achievements. As a player & captain one of the very best to wear the Eng shirt."
Alec Stewart, the former England captain

"Well done Straussy on a great career. Always put the team first and has taken the England team to where it should be."
England team-mate Chris Tremlett

"Wishing Straussy the best of luck in retirement. He's been a great player, a credit to England and got them to number 1 in the world..."
Former England spinner Phil Tufnell

"Really sad to hear Straussy has called it a day. He's done so much for this England team not just as captain but also as a player...."
Former team-mate James Anderson

"If anyone thinks that KP influenced Strauss they obviously don't know him." Graeme Fowler, Strauss' former coach at Durham MCCU

"Awesome guy, great leader, dependable batsman and a solid 1 slip catcher. Cheers Straussy you'll be playing scratch golf within a year..."
England team-mate Stuart Broad