Tributes pour in for Andrew Stauss after England captain announces retirement

Andrew Strauss celebrates his century in the first Ashes Test back in 2010 (GETTY IMAGES)

Andrew Strauss' team-mates, past and present, led the tributes to one of England's most successful captains following his decision to retire from all forms of cricket today.

The 35-year-old confirmed he was stepping down as England captain, and a 100-Test career, at a lunchtime press conference at Lord's.

Strauss' decision brought an end to a three-and-a-half year tenure that was marked by back-to-back Ashes success and lifting England to the top of the Test rankings for the first time.

The left-handed opener's leadership has been credited as a crucial to those successes and his revered status within the England dressing room was quickly reflected by his team-mates.

Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Eoin Morgan all quickly posted tributes on their Twitter pages for Strauss, who will be replaced by one-day captain Alastair Cook.

"Really sad to hear Straussy has called it a day. He's done so much for this England team not just as captain but also as a player," Anderson wrote.

"He will be missed but he hands over to a very fine replacement in Alastair Cook. Best of luck to Cooky and to Straussy in his future."

Twenty20 skipper Broad tweeted within minutes of Strauss' announcement, saying: "Awesome guy, great leader, dependable batsman and a solid 1 slip catcher. Cheers Straussy you'll be playing scratch golf within a year..."

Morgan also added: "Sad news that Straussy is retiring but I would like to congratulate him on an amazing career. A great leader and a pleasure to play with!!"

Strauss began his career in 2005 opening the batting alongside Marcus Trescothick who described him as one of the best captains in England's history.

"He's done some great things with the Ashes victories that he has had and the fact they were back-to-back - especially doing it away from home after so long," Trescothick told Sky Sports News.

"He also took the team to number one in the world; they are great things to fall back on when you look back.

"How he's taken the team forward and English cricket in general have been widely respected everywhere - he's done a great job."

Trescothick admitted some surprise at Strauss decision, but believes the time was right for him to step down after his own form had come under the microscope in the past 12 months.

"I am a a little bit surprised it came this quickly," he said.

"He obviously wanted to go out on top and on his own terms and the time was right.

"It is vital for yourself that you lead from front, doing the hard work and winning games

"As a captain you ask your players to put their body on line then you have to be leading from front. Clearly that was playing on his mind.

"He said his performances were not what he wanted over past six months."

PA