Indian captain Rahul Dravid on Friday hailed Brian Lara, who announced retirement from international cricket, as one of the most "attractive" players who has enthralled fans worldwide with his batting.

"He's been a treat to the game. One of the joys of my cricket career has been watching Lara bat. He's one of the most attractive players to watch, and a truly fantastic player," Dravid told PTI in Mumbai.

The Indian stalwart, who has fought many a battle with the West Indian genius in international cricket besides being his teammate in the Rest of the World team against Australia in the Super Series last year, said that Lara's departure would definitely affect West Indies.

"He has provided joy to so many people around the world. The retirement of players of Lara's class and ability will affect any team in the world," Dravid said.

Lara, who turns 38 on 2^nd of May, announced on Thursday in Barbados after leading West Indies to their lone Super Eight win in the World Cup over Bangladesh that tomorrow's Super Eight match against England at Kensington Oval in Barbados would be his swansong appearance.

"...I want everyone to know that on Saturday I'm going to bid farewell to all international cricket as a player," said Lara who has scored over 22,000 runs combined in Tests and ODIs in his glittering 17-year international career that began in 1990.

Lara, who has scored 34 and 19 hundreds in Tests and ODIs respectively, also holds the world record Test score of 400 not out and also the highest first class score of 501 not out.