Hussain and Tendulkar argued over England's tactics in 2001

Tendulkar told BBC Five Live: "He was one of the best captains that I've played against and a tough character."

Hussain came under fire for employing frustrating tactics against Tendulkar on tour to India in 2001.

But the batsman said: "Whatever he did was within the regulations of the game - there was no stage where he broke any laws. He was a great tactician."

Tendulkar, who is attending this weekend's European Grand Prix, added: "I'm sure people in England and all over the world are going to miss a character like that."

He's been a wonderful competitor and a great bloke to go with it Allan Donald

Tendulkar is the latest in a line of former opponents to pay tribute after Hussain called an end to his 96-Test career on Thursday, after scoring a match-winning century at Lord's.

Ex-South Africa paceman Allan Donald told BBC Sport: "He was one of those guys that fancied being in very tough situations, similar to Steve Waugh.

"Hussain was a tough opponent who never backed down from a challenge."

Donald, who dismissed Hussain five times in Tests, sympathised with the 36-year-old having drawn the curtains on his own illustrious career last year.

"I must say it's a bit of a shock. I thought he was going to finish the series against New Zealand and the West Indies and finish on a high at the end of the summer," Donald added.

"The way he batted at Lord's was typical of Hussain at his very best, and I think he's in really good form at the moment.

"But everybody comes to that crossroad. I've been there and maybe I didn't finish in such a great way for myself. But he probably wanted to be seen finishing on a high.

Nasser is a tough nut, there's no two ways about it Jimmy Adams

Former West Indies captain Jimmy Adams praised Hussain but also questioned the timing of his retirement.

"I think it's strange he's retiring seeing as he's just scored a Test hundred," Adams said.

"There must be reasons outside cricket because his cricket looks to be pretty good at the minute.

"Only Nasser knows how he feels and it can't have been an easy decision considering his recent form. But what better way to leave Test cricket?

"England are losing somebody in the here and now, somebody who is coming off a Test hundred, so it's something they can't take lightly."