``Not only is he one of the greatest players in the history of the game, but he's been one of the great contributors in every team he has played in and that will be sorely missed around the Australian team,'' Coyle said yesterday.

``He'll leave a massive hole in the team. It's not just about his batting, he's just an outstanding individual. He will never be replaced, as there will be no one like him ever again.

``If we can model our future cricketers around Ricky Ponting, we'll be in a pretty good place for a long time.''

Coyle said that when people looked back on Ponting's career, his ability with the bat, his leadership and his passion for the game would stand out.

Tigers skipper George Bailey said Ponting had inspired a generation of Australian cricketers.

``In terms of tributes I think one of the things Punter would be most proud about is that he has forever been 100 per cent about the team he is playing for,'' Bailey said.

Former teammate and childhood friend Shaun Young said he felt he would have been ``at ease with the decision''.

``I don't think anyone could question what he has done for Australian cricket and cricket in general and he should hold his head very high,'' Young said.

``He's a modest person, and deserves to go out on his own terms rather than being tapped on the shoulder.''