Anil a great competitor: Ponting | 'Fab Four' hail Kumble

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New Delhi: Australia captain Ricky Ponting could not believe his ears when umpire Aleem Dar told him about Anil Kumble's retirement and said he expected the Indian Test captain to continue till the home series against England.

"Just after tea, Aleem Dar told me that Anil is going to retire and I was surprised. I mean he had that finger injury but England is arriving in a couple of weeks and I thought that probably would be his last series," Ponting told reporters.

Ponting was effusive in his praise for the Indian spinner, whom he described as a modern day great.

"He has been a great opponent for Australia and everyone in my team enjoyed the way he played the game. He is one of the modern day greats of the game, not just for Indian cricket but world cricket," said the Australian.

He also hailed Kumble as a "great competitor" and one who has served the country for a long time.

"I would like to congratulate Anil for his long and successful career. He is a great competitor and every single player of my team, who has played against him, is proud of the cricketer," Ponting said after the third Test, which ended in a draw at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground here on Sunday.

"I wish he will enjoy his time after the game," Ponting added.