Most Australian cricketers are realists and, at the age of 37, Waugh's sell-by date had been reached, hastened by some modest scoring and a twin brother whose own waning powers were being obfuscated by his position as team captain. Derek Pringle, The Daily Telegraph, London

The decision demonstrated once again the determination of the selectors not to be ruled by sentiment or to be unduly influenced by senior players, such as Steve Waugh, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. They had argued forcibly that Mark Waugh be retained. Instead, the selectors chose another thirtysomething, Darren Lehmann. John Huxley, Sydney Morning Herald

Over the past year his footwork was no longer as deft. More often than not he was overweight. On the good days he looked a little bored; in the bad times, plain moody. Even his slip-catching - arguably, he was the greatest of them all - was showing signs of vulnerability. David Hopps, The Guardian, London

His last Test innings ended with a clumsy stroke that said something about his state of mind. At that moment, Waugh made himself a hostage to fortune. Strong teams always try to make their moves before it is too late, before the rigor mortis sets in. Peter Roebuck, Sydney Morning Herald

With his laid-back style, this elegant batsman was like a right-handed David Gower, relying on exquisite timing rather than power to accumulate runs. Bowling at him you were often left scratching your head, having seen a good length ball effortlessly caressed through midwicket or on the up through the covers for four. Behind this easy-going style, however, was a steelier character than many people thought. Because he did not sledge like many of his team-mates, his manner may have given the impression that he was a bit soft. This was slightly inevitable, having a brother who is as tough as anyone in the history of the game. But he was not. Angus Fraser, The Independent, London

"He was very, very good. He was philosophical, took it on the chin as I expected him to. Over the past 12 months it would be fair to say that he would be disappointed with his form and I suppose it's obvious that we were as well." Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors, on breaking the news to Waugh.

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