Tufnell: Stewart so dedicated

Things not going entirely to plan on a tour of Australia Stewart's Test career in pictures

Past and present England players have paid tribute to Alec Stewart, who has announced his intention to retire from international cricket at the end of the South Africa Test series.

Phil Tufnell said he felt privileged to have played alongside Stewart.

Tufnell told the BBC Sport website: "He's a very dedicated person. He loved his cricket but equally he loved having a good crack in the dressing-room.

"I think he will prove to be a bit of a role model for the younger guys and I was privileged to play with the guy.

"But it's important to remember he was able to have a good laugh when the time was right."

The stand-out memory for Tufnell was when Stewart caught legendary West Indian Viv Richards off his bowling in the final Test of 1991 at The Oval.

Both Tufnell and Stewart had been recalled to the England side and both had successful matches in a comprehensive win that squared the series.

TMS message board: Have Your Say on Stewart's retirement

Tufnell said he was not surprised by the timing of Stewart's retirement.

He said: "When you make a decision like that it's a very personal thing.

"Perhaps it's fair to say that at 40 you have already reached your peak but Alec's been very fit for a long time."

England fast bowler James Anderson said the squad were told on Tuesday morning.

He told this website: "It's sad to see him retire. He's been a great servant to England.

"He is probably the fittest player in squad even though he is 40."

Former England captain Mike Gatting was another to pay tribute to Stewart.

'Doing the right thing'

Gatting said: "When people have said he's down and out, he's proved them wrong, which is what great players do.

"He's been one of the players you put first or second on the team sheet after the captain."

Stewart's father Mickey, a former England coach, added: "His young family has very much come into consideration.

"He's got a little boy and a little girl and to be away from home as much as he has been difficult.

"It's a pity, as if he could have played on for another two or three years everyone would have benefited."