ANDREW Flintoff has described Marcus Trescothick as "the best I've ever played with" following the Somerset batsman's decision to retire.

Tributes have flooded in from the 43-year-old's current and former teammates since his announcement on Thursday.

Flintoff, who played alongside Trescothick in England's Ashes winning side of 2005, tweeted: "@Trescricket is the best I've ever played with.

"Great batter, great man and perfect role model on and off the field.

"Think he's retiring too soon but congrats big lad."

Ian Bell, who from next season will be the only member of that 2005 Ashes team to still be playing, wrote: "Massive congrats to @Trescricket on a fantastic career.

"One of the best I’ve had the pleasure to play with.

"When I started with @englandcricket he was one of the senior players & made it so easy for the young guys to fit into the dressing room. Absolute legend!"

The side was captained by Michael Vaughan, who wrote: "The best VC [vice-captain I could ever have wished for.

"Such a great guy to have around any team.

"Unbelievable player & a true gent - just don’t steal his sausages.

"@Trescricket is one of the greats of English cricket. I really hope you win the Championship as a send off."

Kevin Pietersen added: "He was England’s GREATEST ever opening batter - @Trescricket.

"If he didn’t succumb to an unfortunate issue, he’d have broken every record for England! Happy retirement buddy! Love ya!"

Ashley Giles said: "Congratulations @Trescricket on a fantastic career and thank you for being a great friend to me and servant to our great game.

"The best team man in the world and one of the best players I’ve played with. Enjoy your retirement."

James Anderson, speaking on the BBC Test Match Special World Cup podcast, said: "It's a sad day for cricket. 

"He has been such an amazing servant for cricket and for Somerset County Cricket Club.

"He will be missed.

"I feel privileged to have played alongside him. He captained me in a one-day series in Pakistan and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with him.

"To play for as long as he has, with the quality he has, is an incredible achievement.

"I honestly think he had the potential to be the top England run scorer of all time in both one-day and Test cricket, he was that good.

"His international career ended in unfortunate circumstances but to come back to Somerset and give them the years of service that he has is a credit to him.

"He is the sort of player who constantly developed his game.

"He would push himself to be the person people wanted to play like. I think he would have walked into this England World Cup side.

"As a person and as a teammate, he was special."