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Unbridled adulation for Shane Warne

Australian Prime Minister John Howard joined international cricket fraternity in showering praise on Shane Warne as the legendary leg-spinner announced his decision to quit after the Ashes series. Following are excerpts from the quotes.

John Howard: I thank him for the massive contribution he's made to Australian cricket. He's the greatest slow bowler this country has had and the greatest slow bowler the world has seen and he's done amazing things for the art of leg-break bowling.

Sir Richard Hadlee: A lot of batsmen in world cricket will be delighted to learn he's leaving the game but I think the game will be poorer without him. He has been a match-winner, flamboyant and just incredible to watch. I've admired his skills over a long period of time.

Richie Benaud: Warne was without doubt the finest leg-spinner the world has ever seen. You would certainly have Warne right up there as one of the greatest Australians to ever step on the field. In the space of a short time, he's turned the game upside down, changed it in concept. I think his greatest single achievement is not necessarily the 700 wickets, but the fact that when Wisden chose the five cricketers of the century, they chose Donald Bradman, Garry Sobers, Jack Hobbs, and Viv Richards — and Shane Warne who had only been playing since 1991. That's quite remarkable.

Steve Waugh: He was a resilient, courageous and tough opponent. Warnie was always a match winner because he had a great repertoire and a sense for the occasion. The greater the stakes the better the performance.

Adam Gilchrist: As a wicketkeeper there's no better spot to be than standing behind the stumps to Shane Warne at any time really. But when he's on song it's quite mesmerising, so he brings a great deal of joy to me, just like everyone else sitting around watching. He makes us look good because he's so brilliant.

Stephen Fleming: Warne was the greatest bowler to have played cricket and his retirement was a Christmas present to all batsmen. On and off the field there's been areas of controversy sure, but statistically he's the greatest bowler that ever played. He was tough, very, very competitive but he had a cheeky streak about him. His retirement is a Christmas present to all batsmen.

Mike Gatting: He'll be hard to replace — not just by Australia but by cricket in general.

Stuart MacGill: I was completely stunned and didn't believe the news when I first saw it, because I was always under the impression that I would be out before Shane. He's still very, very able to compete at whatever level he chooses, but professional sport is about achieving goals and setting goals.

Nasser Hussain: For me, he was the reason you played cricket. To be a in a test against him, you knew you were in a battle with Warne, verbally, physically, mentally and technically.

Allan Donald: I don't think I've seen a competitor as determined and focused as Warne. He was just amazing, mentally. I've not seen anyone as strong as he is.

Bishan Singh Bedi: He's the greatest thing that's happened to spin bowling — one of the greatest things that's happened to cricket.

Javed Miandad: Warne was the bowler who could bowl leg-spin, flippers and googlies with utmost perfection. Warne could have easily played a year or two (more), but it's Australian history that a player retires when he's at his peak form. — Agencies

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