Gilchrist retires from Tests

[Highflyer_GP]

Adam Gilchrist, who revolutionised the role of the wicketkeeper-batsman, has retired from Tests barely 24 hours after taking the world record for dismissals. The shock news means Gilchrist will depart on a global high at the end of the fourth match against India on Monday and his last ODI appearances will come in the CB Series, which finishes in March.

Over the past couple of years Gilchrist, 36, has been worn down by the grind of international touring and has been desperate to spend more time with his wife Mel and their three children. Despite his family circumstances, Gilchrist's announcement at the end of the third day came as a surprise after he had spent much of the previous evening denying he was close to walking away.

"I'll let people know when I'm going to retire," he said on Friday, "whether it's tomorrow or in 12 months. At the moment I'm going to keep focussing on giving everything I've got to this team."

He told his team-mates in the morning he was leaving and it was an emotional time. "I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me," Gilchrist said before boarding the team bus. "My family and I have been fortunate to have had an amazing journey full of rich experiences throughout my career."

Gilchrist played 96 Tests, the same number as Rod Marsh, and has collected 414 dismissals, currently one more than South Africa's Mark Boucher. However, his glovework, which has diminished over the past month, will not be why he is remembered as one of Australia's most significant players.

I knew that his record wouldn't last very long because of his age. Anyway my guess is that Hayden would probably be next to go. Some big voids being left in the Aussie line-up.

 

[.geek]

Beat you to it!

 

[Highflyer_GP]

Oops

 

[.geek]

Yeah, you just wonder how a player stepping up to fill the void left by Gilchrist will handle the pressures of international cricket with so few opportunities previously. His 'keeping hasn't been great of late though.

I guess we'll be in the same position once Boucher retires, but at least we have AB who is an integral member of the SA team as well as Morne Van Wyk who has some (limited) international experience. Who are other potential candidates for the position of wicket keeper in South Africa?

O/T: It's cool, mine was just a single post. Maybe a new thread is a better idea.

 

[PostmanPot]

Cheers mate.

 

[krycor]

Boucher.. i hope he sticks around till atleast another 2 Pro20 WC's.. i.e. after the next 50ov Wc. Me thinks SA has a void with batsmen and genuine slogger types who are consistent. I mean me have quite a few nudgers and a handful openers but the sloggers seem to dissapear fast. I guess klusner stay now seems even longer and more amazing.