'A true Australian: fierce, battle-hardened'

"In a lot of ways he has raised the bar for quick bowlers in the future, because generally quick bowlers after they turn 30 wind down and bowl at 80% pace. Brett went at 100% for his whole career which is incredible … to think of the strain and the effort he put his body through and the amount of injuries he'd overcome. He always bowled to the max and very few bowlers in the history of the game have done that. He's always been a good role model for young kids. I know my son always looked up to him and I'm sure that was the case for many kids."
Former Australia captain Steve Waugh

"Lee was a fierce competitor and became an identity for express bowling with his passion and love for the game and for fast bowling. He gave everything to cricket and was a true Australian: fierce and battle-hardened. He was always willing to bowl and willing to bowl fast."
Former Pakistan quick Shoaib Akhtar

"Congrats on a great career @Brettlee_58 . Would love to say it was great playing against you, but it was frightening most of the time."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter

"The man who made my life miserable in Sydney'04, by swinging the ball prodigiously at high speeds, has called it a day. Brett Lee, you were special."
Former India Test opener, Aakash Chopra

"Congrats, champion, on a great career. To come back so many times was inspiring, a legend of Australian cricket. #respect"
Jason Gillespie, the former Australia quick

Great bloke and our premium fastest ever Aussie quick bowler -a toast to you and your family. Congrats on a fabulous career #BrettLee

— Matthew Hayden (@HaydosTweets) July 13, 2012

"A huge congrats to @BrettLee_58 on a wonderful career. You played with, spirit, heart and passion, well done buddy, it was a pleasure!"
Former Australia spinner Shane Warne

"Well done Binga on a magic career. Top 5 best blokes ever to grace this Earth. Time to dust the guitar off."
Australia spinner Jason Krejza

"Congrats @BrettLee_58, an amazing career! Pace like fire, aggression, and all with a smile. What a wonderful attitude and personality ... Respect."
Former England batsman Adam Hollioake

"There's a lot of happy batsmen out there today! Well done on an amazing career, wore the baggy green with pride. Proper fast."
Former England captain Paul Collingwood

My favourite lee moment 2004 india vs aus at perth vb series ! Gilly was standing on 30 yard circle and binga was firing 155km! Phew!!

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 14, 2012

"It's a testament to Brett's ability and athleticism that he has been able to remain one of the world's best and fastest bowlers for such a long time."
Lee's Australia and New South Wales team-mate, Pat Cummins

"A privilege to play with and watch @BrettLee_58 going about it on and off the field, a legend of the game. He will be missed, all the best mate."
Mitchell Starc, Lee's team-mate

"The first time we played him was in a warm up one-dayer in 1999. I opened the innings with [VVS] Laxman and after a few overs we were in disbelief. We really thought the pitch was less than 22 yards ... Lee was a huge challenge irrespective of whether it was the first or last ball of the day."
Former India opener, Sadagoppan Ramesh

"The statistics only tell part of the story. Brett has been an absolute ornament to the game; a fine player, a fierce and brave competitor, a generous opponent and one who always upheld the highest standards of sportsmanship. He has been a 'cricketer' in every sense of the word."
John Inverarity, Australia's national selector