England's most successful captain Michael Vaughan's retirement from cricket evoked mixed response.

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said he was surprised by the 34-year-old's decision to call it a day.

"I'm a bit surprised"

Ponting felt Vaughan still had some cricket left in him and he expected the right-hander to be a part of the England squad for the upcoming Ashes series.

"I must admit I am a bit surprised by his retirement," said Ponting, who will lead Australia in a four-day warm-up match against England Lions at New Road starting on Wednesday.

"It is only a couple of months ago that I was thinking he might be named in the first Test squad by England. I thought he might have a bit more to offer international cricket somewhere down the line.

"With him being a contracted player, I thought there was a chance he might have found himself back in the Ashes squad.

"Michael was a talented player"

"But Ravi Bopara came in and grabbed his opportunity with both hands. I guess it just goes to show with a few of the younger guys coming into the England set-up and grabbing their opportunity, he might have felt his time might have passed," he added.

The 34-year-old Yorkshire batsman announced his retirement from all forms of cricket on Tuesday after failing to make the cut for England's 16-member Ashes training squad ahead of the first Test against Australia in Cardiff.

Ponting heaped praise on Vaughan terming him as an exceptional player and distinguished captain.

"Michael was an exceptionally skilled and talented player whose record would stack up against most top order batsmen who have played international cricket.

"He was a distinguished captain who led the side very well. Good luck with what he does after cricket. He was always a highly respected and skilled opponent," Ponting said.

KP says right time

Meanwhile, South African-born England batsman and Vaughan's former teammate Kevin Pietersen gave a thumbs up to his decision and said the timing of retirement was perfect.

"It is brilliant and just shows how great the man is.

Vaughany always knew the right time to do anything - tactics-wise and when he batted," Pietersen was quoted as saying in 'The Mirror'.

"To let Straussy know to continue leading the team and let Ravi know to continue going in at No.3 without having to worry about anything - the timing is perfect," he added.