The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Gilchrist not to quit now

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Sunday, Dec 23, 2007
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Gilchrist not to quit now

— Photo: AFP

Adam Gilchrist

Melbourne: On the cusp of becoming Australia’s most successful Test wicketkeeper, Adam Gilchrist revealed he wanted to retire after the Boxing Day Test against India at this time last year but postponed such plans indefinitely following a rejuvenating break.

Gilchrist, who needs another five dismissals to surpass Ian Healy’s Australian record of 395, said non-stop cricket took a toll on his 36-year-old body and he was considering making the upcoming four-match series’ opener against India his swansong a year ago.

“This time last year I probably would have thought this one would be my last but I am just really enjoying it,” Gilchrist told the Weekend Australian.

Recalling the time when he thought of retirement, Gilchrist said he found it hard to keep himself motivated.

Draining

“It was very draining, I found. I don’t know if every other player felt that, but I certainly did. This time last year leading into Christmas, I was as uncertain about my future as anyone,” he revealed.

But the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman said he was now feeling rejuvenated after a break and assured that retirement has been pushed back.

Gilchrist, who has 391 dismissals in 92 Tests, said he would be pleased to break Healy’s record in Melbourne.

The 36-year-old said getting the record in the match against India would add value to his gloves and raise more money for the cause also supported by former teammate Glenn McGrath.

“It would be fantastic for it to happen in Melbourne to value-add to those gloves to go to the McGrath Foundation to keep up the great work they’re doing,” he said.

Asked to name his favourite dismissal so far, Gilchrist said he would always cherish a stumping off McGrath’s bowling although the pace legend was embarrassed to have such a wicket against his name.

“I got a stumping off him in a one-dayer. It’s the only dismissal in his career that he’s tried to disown,” Gilchrist laughed.

“I whipped the bails off in a one-dayer in Wellington and before the umpire had given it out, he said he didn’t want the dismissal,” he recalled. — PTI

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