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Australia captain Ricky Ponting did not expect Michael Vaughan to retire. Photograph: Steven Paston/Action Images
The Australian captain Ricky Ponting says he was surprised by Michael Vaughan's decision to quit the game.
Vaughan, the former England captain and Ponting's counterpart during the 2005 Ashes, announced his retirement from professional cricket earlier today.
But Ponting said he felt the 34-year-old still had an international future ahead of him. "I must admit I am a bit surprised by his retirement. It is only a couple of months ago that I was thinking he might be named in the first Test squad by England," said Ponting.
"I thought he might have a bit more to offer international cricket somewhere down the line. With him being a contracted player, I thought there was a chance he might have found himself back in the Ashes squad. But Ravi Bopara came in and grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
"I guess it just goes to show with a few of the younger guys coming into the England set-up and grabbing their opportunity, he might have felt his time might have passed."
"Michael was an exceptionally skilled and talented player whose record would stack up against most top-order batsmen who have played international cricket. He was a distinguished captain who led the side very well. Good luck with what he does after cricket. He was always a highly respected and skilled opponent."
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