Australia Test captain Michael Clarke has hailed Ricky Ponting as "amazing" after the 37-year-old announced his decision to retire from international cricket.

Clarke admitted that he was not aware the decision was coming, and admitted that the rest of the team were "hurting".

"I didn't have a feeling it was coming," Clarke said. "Ricky spoke to me after [the second Test against South Africa in] Adelaide and obviously made his decision over the last few days.

"The boys are obviously hurting right now. He's been an amazing player for a long time."

Ponting will retire after the final Test with South Africa.