Captain Michael Clarke says he tried to talk Ricky Ponting out of retirement but Australia's greatest Test run-scorer had already made up his mind.
Ponting shocked team-mates when he told them of his decision to quit international cricket after the third Test against South Africa in Perth.
Clarke got emotional when talking about the influence Ponting has had on his career. He says the man they call Punter is a great friend and it's going to be tough without him there.
Clarke's backing Ponting to get a big hundred and go out on a high at the WACA - where his test career began back in 1995.
Meanwhile former Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist says Ponting's retirement will create huge challenges for the selectors.
Gilchrist says it's a huge hole he's going to leave, not just in the batting lineup but in everything he brings - his dedication in training and his experience.
