South Africa captain Graeme Smith shocked the cricketing world last night when he announced that he would be retiring from international matches following the conclusion of his nation's ongoing Test series with Australia.
The 33-year-old will exit the game as the most successful ever Test captain, having won 51 of his 104 matches.
As expected, players past and present have paid Twitter tributes to the batsman, who has scored over 17,000 runs during his career. Below, Sports Mole has picked out some of the best reaction.
"Huge congrats @GraemeSmith49 on an amazing career. Great player and leader who will be hugely missed by SA. Leaves a big hole to fill."
Former England bowler Phil Tufnell
Sad to hear @GraemeSmith49 is retiring from international cricket. Wonderful career and a true leader!! #legend
— Charlotte Edwards (@Lottie2323) March 3, 2014
"Congratulations @GraemeSmith49 on a remarkable career full of courage, character & unwavering leadership."
Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody
"On Graeme Smith's test debut bowlers didn't have a clue where to bowl to him...he's done with his career & bowlers still haven't figured out."
Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra
"Biff, a career to be proud of and a leader who lead from the front!! Our 3 triple century partnerships, my highlight! Congrats."
Smith's former interational teammate Herschelle Gibbs
Another great leaves the international circuit @GraemeSmith49 what a legend. Huge loss for SA .
— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) March 3, 2014
"Huge congrats @GraemeSmith49 on an outstanding career for SA. Great leader & player. SA will miss him @surreycricket welcome him back."
Former England wicket-keeper Alec Stewart
"Hearing huge news out of SA. @GraemeSmith49 is retiring! For what he has done for SA cricket - the man is a legend! Congrats my Surrey BFF!"
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen
"Massive congratulations to @GraemeSmith49 on a great career. Tough competitor and a great leader."
Current England batsman Ian Bell
Huge respect to @GraemeSmith49 .Fantastic Captain,Leader,Batsmen,Bloke and all round good egg... #Legend.
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 3, 2014
"An adversary for over a decade but congratulations @GraemeSmith49 on a tremendous international career. #respect."
The Barmy Army
"Congratulations @GraemeSmith49 on an unbelievable international career..we are looking forward to welcoming you back for start of the season."
Surrey Cricket
"Congratulations on an awesome career! Absolute privilege playing under you! Enjoy your journey ahead!"
South African all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe
He entered the cricketing arena as an Under-19 hero and he leaves the game as a legendary captain. #GraemeSmith pic.twitter.com/FbloHsJlVh
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 4, 2014
