Surprised - had no idea what he was thinking, but had persuaded myself that if he was going to quit test cricket he would have done it on Monday. As far as I'm concerned he is still worth a place in the England team and I am sure the selectors would have picked him for the rest of the season.

The retirement from all cricket suggests there's more to his decision than not wanting to stand in Strauss' way. He seems to have a bit of a thing about his age - last year he quit as captain because he felt wrong in the team.