Warne retirement: It's a sad for cricket, says Gatting

Sydney, Dec 21 (UNI) 'It is a sad day for cricket', that's how former England skipper Mike Gatting, who was at the receiving end of Shane Warne's Ball of the Century, reacted to the Aussie spin king's decision to bid adieu to the game after the Ashes.

''He's the best leg spinner there's ever been. He's done an enormous amount for cricket. He's kept it in the forefront of the public eye the world over. He'll be hard to replace - not just by Australia but by cricket in general,'' Gatting was quoted by the 'Sydney Morning Herald'as saying.

''I'm a bit surprised. I thought he had more petrol in the tank but obviously he wants to go out on a high,'' he added.

Warne announced his retirement in Melbourne today and said it was the perfect time to call it quits as he was at his best.

Gatting became Warne's first Ashes victim when his off-stump was clipped by a ball which pitched outside the ex-England skipper's pads. The delivery was called the 'Ball of the Century' and instantly brought Warne into the limelight.

Gatting says despite being at the receiving end, he still enjoys the moment as it made him a part of history.

''I don't get sick of it - it was one of those things, like any incident that keeps getting talked about forever. In a way it's nice to be a part of history by being the batsman involved, although I do hope I'm remembered for other things. It was what it was - phenomenal. Very close to the best ball I ever faced,'' he said.

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