Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute to Brett Lee

New Delhi: Jul 15 , 2012

 

Their on-field face-offs were among the most exhilarating sights in international cricket and as Australian speedster Brett Lee drew curtains on his injury-ravaged career, senior Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to him saying that it was a "joy" to pad up against the pacer.

 

"BrettLee_58 Its been a joy to play against u Binga.

 

Congratulations for a successful career.... All the best wishes to you for the future," tweeted Tendulkar.

 

Lee responded with as much respect, saying that the Indian brought out the best in him.

 

"@sachin_rt yes mate it's been fun. Thanks for all the hard battles on the pitch. You definitely brought the best out of me," said the 35-year-old, who endured several injuries in a 13-year career before calling it day on Friday.

 

Not just Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, recuperating after undergoing chemotherapy for a rare germ cell cancer, also lauded the affable Australian, often described as 'the smiling assasin'.

 

"A man who always bowled his heart out A match winner champion bowler world clas athlete a lovely friend a good human I'm sad Brett Lee has retired," said Yuvraj.

 

"My favourite lee moment 2004 India vs Aus at Perth VB Series ! Gilly was standing on 30 yard circle and binga was firing 155km! Phew!!," recalled the left-hander.

 

Lee was quick to acknowledge, saying "@YUVSTRONG12 thanks legend, hope you're going strong."

 

Tendulkar also paid tribute to South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher who was forced to retire recently after sustaining an eye injury.

 

"Markb46 What a tragic injury to end Mark Boucher's career. Certainly one of the greatest wicket keepers the game has seen. SA will miss him," he said on the social networking site. (PTI)