What the papers said about . . . Allan Border

'Allan Border, grumpy to the last, brought his illustrious career to an end yesterday with another famous grouse.' Express

'Trying to remove Border from the crease was like extracting a firmly embedded wisdom tooth from a gum or a clump of dandelions from heavy clay. It is not in the least surprising that his announcement that he is to retire forthwith was only made under protest and at loggerheads with the Australian Cricket Board.' Telegraph

'By making his first rule of batting an absolute determination not to make a present of his wicket, Border has been a thorn in England's flesh ever since he stepped out against Mike Brearley's side at Melbourne 16 years ago. His method was as far removed from Brian Lara's, apart from their left-handedness, as Brisbane is from Port of Spain.' London Evening Standard

'Border is that rare figure in Australian society: a popular success.' Independent

'AB truly did write the alphabet of application, batting and captaincy. To use his favourite saying, he was a man who hit his straps.' Sun

'One of the longest and greatest reigns in the game's history ended as these reigns often do (see the fall of Margaret Thatcher or, more relevantly, Bob Hawke) amid confusion, bitterness and recrimination . . . It appears that, like Thatcher and Hawke, he was unable to sense that the wind was finally blowing against him.' Guardian

'Captain grumpy goes with heavy heart and parting shot.' Mail

'Beaten by England in 1985, and again two winters later, he was accused of being too matey with the opposition. This was the genesis of the grouchier, confrontational Border, who could behave belligerently on the field, attracting sometimes justifiable disapproval. Yet the respect of his players never wavered.' Times

'Border's bitter farewell: Part of me died.' Mirror

'The real issue for Australian cricket is not that Allan Border's days are over, but rather a question of why aren't Bob Simpson's?' Today

'If ever Australia were to find itself under invasion by the Killer Cricket Balls, Border is the man the nation would choose to stand on Bondi Beach with bat in hand and beat the beggars back.' Telegraph