Sachin pays tribute to Brett Lee, Binga reciprocates saying the Little Master brought the best out of him

Their on-field face-offs were among the most exhilarating sights in international cricket and as Australian speedster Brett Lee drew curtains on his injury-ravaged career, senior Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar paid tribute to him saying that it was a "joy" to pad up against the pacer, says a report in The Times Of India.

"BrettLee_58 Its been a joy to play against u Binga. Congratulations for a successful career.... All the best wishes to you for the future," tweeted Tendulkar. Lee responded with as much respect, saying that the Indian brought out the best in him. "@sachin_rt yes mate it's been fun. Thanks for all the hard battles on the pitch. You definitely brought the best out of me," said the 35-year-old, who endured several injuries in a 13-year career before calling it day on Friday.

Not just Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, recuperating after undergoing chemotherapy for a rare germ cell cancer, also lauded the affable Australian, often described as 'the smiling assasin', says a report in The Hindu.

"A man who always bowld his heart out A match winnr champion bowlr wrld clas athlete a lovely friend a good human I'm sad bret lee hs retired," said Yuvraj. "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!!," recalled the left-hander. Lee was quick to acknowledge, saying "@YUVSTRONG12 thanks legend, hope you're going strong."