Australia media pays tribute to Kumble

The "ultimate dusty-deck destroyer and one of the true gentlemen of the game" was how the media Down Under paid tribute to Anil Kumble, but insisted that the Indian spin legend went out as a "spent force" in the face of injury breakdowns and a dip in form.

"He leaves as the ultimate dusty-deck destroyer, Test cricket's third-highest wicket-taker and a reputation as one of the true gentlemen of the game," wrote 'The Daily Telegraph' paying tribute to the 38-year-old's 18-year career, which ended with a draw against Australia in New Delhi on Sunday.

"It was the right move by the veteran leg-spinner, who had been under pressure on several fronts. With only three wickets in this series to that point, and with a miserable captaincy record of three wins in 14 Tests, it was time for the 38-year-old to go," it added.

Noted cricket writer Peter Roebuck felt the decision was well-timed as Kumble's magic was fast on the wane, highlighted by just three wickets that he took in the ongoing series against Australia.

"Kumble's retirement was timely. Throughout his career the old warrior has been a master of worn pitches. In the past few years, his powers have waned and the sorcerer has become a spent force," he said.

Describing Kumble as a hard-working cricketer, Roebuck said his workman-like approach set him apart from a maverick like Shane Warne.

"Whereas Warne was a gambler with a hand of aces, the Bangalorean was a dentist armed with a drill. Once he had the victim on his chair nothing escaped his attention.