Send your tributes to an Australian great.

Waugh made his Test debut against England in 1991, and went on score 8029 runs in a 128-Test career stretching over 12 years.

The 37-year old is Australia's third highest run scorer in Test cricket, and the country's third most capped player.

But his form has dipped of late, and he announced his retirement after being dropped for the first Ashes Test against England.

Send your tributes and memories of Waugh's illustrious career.

Mark Waugh was without doubt one of the finest batsmen ever. It is a blow to realise that we will no longer enjoy his brilliant performances which have been an essential part of Australian cricket for the past 12 years.

The selectors have got it wrong again - the side is certainly no stronger without a cornerstone of the team like Mark was, and they should have given Mark's many fans (the paying public) the chance to farewell him in style in Australia, rather than him having to play his last Test in a dustbowl in Sharjah in front of a meagre crowd.

Good luck Mark - you will be missed but never forgotten.
Andrew, France

I was extremely shocked and stunned when I got the news of Mark Waugh's exclusion from the Australian team for the forthcoming Ashes series. The Australian selectors should have known this famous saying: "form is temporary, class is permanent".

Mark Waugh is one of the most attractive and elegant players I have ever seen. It is funny that the Australian selectors feel Darren Lehman is better than Mark.
Jatin, India

Mark was once one of the greatest batsmen. But he could do nothing in the past three years for Australia, so he should have been dropped earlier. But, no doubt he will be a part of Aussie cricket history.
Zaki Faisal, Bangladesh/Canada

You have been an inspiration to your country and to all those young people who love to play cricket.
Brendan, Netherlands

No doubt, one of the most brilliant and naturally gifted players even to don the baggy green. For more than a decade he held his place in a series of great Australian cricket teams. Apart from his majesty with the willow, will perhaps be remembered more for his uncanny reflexes at slip.

But the Aussie selectors do not dwell on sentiment or reward past service. Look at how they sacked Ian Healy rather than let him have a last hurrah at his beloved Gabba! Go well Mark Waugh, you are a champion of the game.
Dave, Australia

What a joy to watch! I remember just watching him, amazed at how he so effortlessly scored runs against some fierce bowling attacks. Some of his slips catches too, were nothing short of astounding.

It's a sad day for cricket with the retirement of the most enjoyable cricketer to watch that I will probably ever see.
Steve, Australia

It's such a shame to see Mark leaving the game with the Ashes just around the corner. Even though deeply patriotic towards England, I must admit that watching a Mark Waugh ton was nothing short of magical. In complete contrast to his brother. Let's just hope his omission is to our advantage.
Stuart Burford, England

He was, quite possibly, the most naturally gifted cricketer of his time.
Ammar Khan, USA

I was lucky enough to have seen Mark play in The Ashes tour last year and for Essex at the end of the season. He is a great cricketer and it is such a shame that his career has ended in this way.

The Aussie selectors should show more respect for such a brilliant cricketer, who has given so much to Australian cricket. Good Luck for the future Mark!
Vicki Causer, England

I for one am very unimpressed with the selectors decision to push Mark Waugh into the decision to retire. No other batsman has ever shown such finesse and grace with the bat.
E. Ashworth, England

I am not denying that Mark Waugh has been a top Test batsman for many years but I can't accept all the gushing about his wonderful services to international cricket! This is ridiculous.

Have people forgotten his involvement in the match-fixing scandals which nearly brought the game to its knees or the way his national cricket board shamefully tried to cover the whole affair up?

Cricket is better off without people like him in the game and I am glad that he has been retired! However, I bear no grudges and hope he enjoys his retirement. Perhaps this will give him time to concentrate on a new career...weatherman perhaps?
Matt Gee, England

I was at the SCG when Mark Waugh first batted for Australia in a ODI against the West Indies. Brilliant was the only way to describe it. Although he made a few he was excellent to watch.
Shahbaz , Australia/Pakistan

How can the ACB display such little loyalty to a player who has served them so well for so many years? If Lehmann was so good, he would have been an automatic choice, but he wasn't and it took Mark Waugh's poor form to get him his slot. This is an abysmal way to treat a legend of the game, especially off the back of a complete whitewash of Pakistan!
Mark, Dubai, UAE

I was very fortunate to see Mark play many times for Essex in his younger days, and it was quite obvious then what an exceptional talent he was. He was a joy to watch, and any time he wants to play for Essex again I am sure he will be welcome, particularly from the supporters.
Alan Whiskar, England

It will be a shame that Mark Waugh will not be performing against England in the forthcoming Ashes series. Not only because he is a superb all-round cricketer who has scored in excess of 8000 Test runs, but because the Aussies have such strength in depth that England will now find it harder to beat the Aussies.

Mark Waugh is a victim of the strength the Aussies have. The fact they are able to leave him out with the option of numerous talents vying for the place is indeed a credit that he has been able to maintain his position for so long.

Mark Waugh should retire in the knowledge that he would still stroll into all other Test teams. England have their work cut out and while our hearts want to see the three lions roar, our heads are expecting a real Pommie bashing.
Steve Lemmon, England

While it's difficult to argue with the Aussie selectors given the team's record, it's sad to see Mark go out like this. A great player and a fair player.
Gopal B, USA

As a West Indian, I have long respected Mark Waugh as a talented, disciplined, determined cricketer. Waugh was tough, but played fair - unlike many in the international game. May he enjoy further success in his post-international cricket career! Thanks for the great batting and second slip fielding, Mark.
Dr Dave Benjamin, Grenada

The Australian Cricket Board haven't set a good example - I know he is out of form but he deserved at least a chance in the Ashes series. I am a big follower of the Waugh brothers, especially Mark, and I am very much disappointed with his decision to quit from cricket.

He is a wonderful cricketer, and not only the Australian nation but every cricket lover loves him. My regards to this elegant cricketer. I will support you forever, Mark.
Farooq, Pakistan

Mark Waugh was a tremendous player, prolific run-scorer, stylish batsman, and superb fielder. Not only Australian Cricket, but the entire cricketing world will miss him.

I am a huge fan of Mark, and I truly believe that at least couple of years are left in him. Dropping Mark and forcing him to retire also shows the depth and the power of this great Australian team.

Anyway, Mark Waugh is a great champion, who made a difference to the game and mostly for the right reasons. Mate, good luck as you begin your new innings.
Kiran Bharthapudi, IL, USA

The ball pitched just outside off-stump at a length perfect for a drive, and Mark Waugh elegantly dispatches it to the boundary. Remember this scenario? I do. This was probably the best stokeplay from the best strokeplayer in the world.

I am grateful that this player has provided inspiration to so many. We will miss you Mark, but will never be able to forget you.
Hamza Sheikh, USA

The biggest complement that we can give Mark Waugh is the massive amount of relief that all Englishmen have taken in the news of his retirement!! If I where neutral, I would miss his prolific stroke-play, but I'm not....so I won't!!
Paul Baker, England

Mark Waugh was a wonderful batsman to watch. However, for me, his greatest attribute was the way he played the game. In a very aggressive Australian team, he always played the game primarily for enjoyment and in a fair way.

As an excellent slip fieldsman, the entire slip cordon could "go up" for an appeal, but if Mark Waugh did not appeal you knew it was "not out". All the umpire had to do was watch Mark Waugh and he would get it right most of the time.
Peter Napier, Australia

Wonderfully gifted player, amazing fielder and a very good batsman. He Served Australia very well and sad to see him being dropped. I am sure he would have loved to go out on a better "wicket".
Steve, Malaysia

Mark, you have been one of the true greats of my era. Graceful and technically perfect, one of the true text book batsmen I've had the pleasure of watching. I have always taken in great delight watching you take apart bowling attack at both state and international levels.
Scott, Australia

In a great team full of fantastic batsmen, Mark Waugh was the best to watch. He had a touch of class. I understand why he has been dropped, and I think it's a tribute to the success of the Australian team that they can afford to leave him out.
The Shadow, UK

It is a sad day for Australia and the world of cricket. I have enjoyed the years of watching Mark, even though England have been on the receiving end so many times.

I wish him well in what ever he does in the future, and I'm sure that his contribution to Australian cricket will continue despite his international retirement.
Paul Amey, England

I will forever remember Mark Waugh's World Cup in India for the three centuries he scored - they were batting masterpieces. When I recall great batsmen to my son I will include Waugh's name in the elite company of Bradman, Tendulkar, Sobers and Border. Today is a sad, sad day for the cricket loving world.
Stephen Harris, England

Waugh was a player who had that class in his shots; he was very much like the David Gower of Australian team particularly his on side strokes. He has contributed to the great success of the Australian team and it is bad luck that he has to go out this way.
Venkat, India

Mark Waugh was exceptionally good to watch as a batsman. His natural ability allowed him to play shots that most couldn't. He's helped establish Australia as a great team.
Chris Whitaker, UK

One of the most graceful cricketers Australia has produced. Just like David Gower, there was no effort in his play - he just stroked it for four. Indeed, there was no greater sight in cricket than Mark Waugh clipping the ball for four through the leg side.

His slip catching, until recently, was superb - who can forget his catch in 1993 to get rid of Alec Stewart? Thanks For the memories, Junior!
Mark Bowen, Wales

Good luck Mark Waugh, and good riddance. Your departure will make the difference between a thrashing and a thorough stuffing!
Simon, Germany

Although the side that I support has more often than not being on the receiving side of your skills and sportsmanship, I am very sad to see you leave the sport. Without competitiveness the game loses a lot of the enjoyment, and you provided plenty of that.

I have lost track of the number of times I watched you bat your side to victory over the South Africans. Well done for a great career, and have a good rest - you've earned it.
Martin Tyler, South Africa

Mark Waugh deserved another chance. One of the greatest, most effortlessly brilliant batsmen of the modern age still had something to offer - particularly when considering his average against the English and the pure presence he brings to an Ashes Series.

While Darren Lehman is arguably the best batsman ever not to play consistent international cricket, I believe that cutting short the career of a genius before an Ashes Series and not letting him prove himself one last time before quietly giving him the nudge, is a shameful act on the part of the selectors - as Alan Border should well have empathised.

We should all be disappointed with not being afforded one last chance to watch Mark play those effortless shots off his pads with a subtle roll of the wrists.
Mark, UK

Waugh is one of the most fluent and stylish batsmen I have ever seen. Best wishes for the future.
Imran Durrani, Pakistan

Waugh has been amazing during a golden era for Australian cricket, and I think England will be glad to see the back of him. It would have been nice to go out on high, but he has been marvellous for Australia.
Harminder Duhra, UK

Classy and Clinical - Waugh is a true sportsman and a gentleman of the gentlemen's game. It's sad that we will not see him in the Ashes and international cricket anymore.
Priyanath Eshwara, Sri Lanka

Mark, as an Englishman, you have been an absolute pain in the backside for a very long time. You don't deserve things to end like this, but I'm glad you're not getting another chance to smash us all over the park. Enjoy your retirement.
Luke, UK

While the dropping of Mark Waugh seemed inevitable, one cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness at his going. Mark Waugh was a fine example of all that was pretty about batting, in the great tradition of Trumper, Gower and Azharuddin.

His lazy elegance and consummate stroke play were such a delight to watch. So full of languid grace, he embellished what has been a great era of Australian cricket. Cricket lovers all over the world today join together to give him a standing ovation.
Basab Majumdar, Mumbai, India

After David Gower retired in 1993 I thought world cricket would be without a true entertainer for a while. Looking back, I had nothing to fear. Mark Waugh has been Australia's most gifted batsman over the last decade. His fluent strokes and stunning catching will live long in the memory. Thanks mate, for all those moments....
Rajiv Radhakrishnan, UK

As an Australian living in the UK, it is great to see such a great player as Mark. Such style in his game. A credit to his family and country.
Geoff Orr, United Kingdom

Mark, your presence in the Australian side will be sorely missed. Never has a cricketer been so pleasurable to watch as you at your best; even The Don agrees. Thanks for all the memories.
Philip Hall, United Kingdom

The close of an incredible international career. Thanks Mark, for those sublime catches, the ease with which you caressed the ball to the boundary. Australia's reply to David Gower. A joy to watch....
Dave Birch, Australia

Selectors can keep you away from the ground but not from our mind. We can't forget the treat you gave with your bat. All the best for the rest of your life. Thanks and best wishes.
K.Jayachandran Menon, India