Sachin easily the best player over the last 20 years: Warne

Legendary spinner Shane Warne described his one time nemesis and friend Sachin Tendulkar, who announced retirement from Test cricket on Thursday, as the greatest batsman of his generation.

In a series of tweets, the former Aussie bowling ace said he was privileged to have been engaged in some of the famous cricketing duels with the Indian batsman.

"Sachin was easily the best player over the last 20 years & will be remembered as one of the all time greats ! Truly an amazing player," said leg-spin king Warne, whose duels on the cricket field with Tendulkar have become part of the game's folklore.

"Was a privilege & an honour to do battle with the little master on the field. But our friendship is something I cherish! Good luck buddy??," said Warne, who, on one of his tours to India, said he had nightmares of Tendulkar running down the wicket and belting him for an over-head six.

"Congrats to my good friend Sachin on what can only be described as an amazing career! I wish you & your family all the best in the future," he tweeted.

Warne said he was amazed by Tendulkar's temperament.

"Sachin is such an amazing player. We all know his talent but his temperament to play 200 Tests -- that mindset to play for such a long period of time -- shows the insight that the game is so much to him.

“I think the way he has gone about it on and off the field has been amazing," Warne, who is part of the commentary team for Australia's ongoing tour of India, said.