New Delhi, July 15: 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 bowld his heart out A match winnr champion bowlr wrld clas athlete a lovely friend a good human I'm sad bret lee hs 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 Africanb 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 wkt keepers the game has seen. SA will miss him," he said on the social networking site.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 15 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 15 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST