Good Bye Gilchrist.

[hujsh]

Well the debating has stopped because Gilchrist has retired. No doubt he was a great cricketer. How many players can claim to have changed the game? Now look at England trying to find a Gilchrist.

Voted our best ever one day player, he has changed the role of every wicketkeeper in world cricket.

Though he hasn't been as good since the 05 Ashes he felt he had a year left at least so you would think someone put him under some pressure to retire.

What do you think about this?

[GVGjr]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Strange decision timing wise but I think that explains why the likes of Ponting had a lot of resolve about their time in the middle today.

He's been the best in the business at what he does and cannot be replaced anytime soon.

[westdog54]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Well the debating has stopped because Gilchrist has retired. No doubt he was a great cricketer. How many players can claim to have changed the game? Now look at England trying to find a Gilchrist.

Voted our best ever one day player, he has changed the role of every wicketkeeper in world cricket.

Though he hasn't been as good since the 05 Ashes he felt he had a year left at least so you would think someone put him under some pressure to retire.

What do you think about this?

We've all gained great joy out of watching Gilchrist do his thing over the years he's worn the baggy green.

I believe he is, along with Hussey, the most genuine and decent gentleman in the current squad, perhaps the most decent ever to wear the baggy green.

In a time where people who 'walk' are often questioned, and, sadly, frowned upon in some cases, it was a badge he wore loudly and proudly.

Cricket will not be the same without him.

The IPL will be rapt

[GVGjr]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

This from the Hun

CRICKET legend Adam Gilchrist last night announced his retirement from Test cricket, but his international career will continue until the end of next month's one-day series.

The greatest batsman-wicketkeeper of all time told shocked friends and teammates yesterday before revealing the stunning decision to Cricket Australia.

Gilchrist's future had been the subject of great debate since his dropped catch off V.V.S. Laxman in the Adelaide Test, which will now be his 96th - and last.

"It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and one-day cricket," Gilchrist said in a statement last night.

"I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me.

"My family and I have been fortunate to have had an amazing journey full of rich experiences throughout my career and are sincerely grateful to all who have helped make this stage of our lives so fulfilling.

"I am now ready and excited to move into the next phase of my life which will include much more time with (wife) Mel, (and children) Harrison, Annie and Archie."

The Australian vice-captain will leave the game as the man who redefined the No. 7 Test spot through his dazzling batting and glovework.

He also has the record for most Test dismissals after passing South African Mark Boucher in Adelaide, and with the most Test centuries by any wicketkeeper in the history of the game.

"Thank you to Cricket Australia, the Western Australian Cricket Association and Cricket NSW for providing me the opportunity to play first-class cricket and for the support over the many years," he said.

"Also thank you to all my teammates and support staff who have given me the most enjoyable, fun career anyone could hope for and to the many officials and opponents I have come across.

"It has been terrific to play against you and, more importantly, get to know you."

Gilchrist's superb career also includes the second-fastest Test century (57 balls) in history, against England in Perth last summer.

He has blasted 17 Test centuries, including at least one against all nine Test opponents, and hit more sixes than any other batsman in Test history.

A maverick opener in one-day cricket, he also has 15 centuries in the 50-over game, including a match-winning ton in the World Cup final last summer.

He was also a fine deputy to Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, and led Australia to a breakthrough victory in India in 2004 when Ponting was injured.

While he will be remembered as one of the greats, his form has been on the wane in recent times.

Tributes last night started to pour in for the man affectionately known as "Gilly".

Cricket Australia chairman Creagh O'Connor described Gilchrist as "unquestionably Australia's finest ever wicketkeeper batsman".

"He has been a great adornment to the game of cricket," he said.

"His influence on the game has gone well beyond statistics both in terms of the dignity with which he has played the game and his respect for the traditions and the spirit of cricket."

[LostDoggy]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

It seems that he was pushed or at least given a tap on the shoulder. A couple of days back he is talking about playing for another 12 months and now he is retiring.

Does anyone know if he will keep playing domestic cricket? I wonder what that means for Ronchi? Gilly might play as a batsman but it would be a shame to see Ronchi looking for another state.

[hujsh]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

He is reitring from all cricket as far as I know (maybe even the IPL)

[LostDoggy]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

It seems that he was pushed or at least given a tap on the shoulder. A couple of days back he is talking about playing for another 12 months and now he is retiring.

Does anyone know if he will keep playing domestic cricket? I wonder what that means for Ronchi? Gilly might play as a batsman but it would be a shame to see Ronchi looking for another state.

Not according to the papers today. The selectors were shocked to find out he was pulling the pin.

[Go_Dogs]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Very glad I got in yesterday and saw Gilly walk out for possibly his last ever test innings. Been a fantastic player for a long time.


I believe he decided to pull the pin himself, to give his good mate Haddin a run. Gilly was given the same opportunity when the selectors pulled the pin on Healy, and perhaps Haddin will now be able to get an extended opportunity.

[LostDoggy]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Adam Gilchrist -- fine cricketer, even better human being.

[Dry Rot]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Not a good gloveman at the end.

And hello Haddin!

And if Killer MacGill returns and they drop Johnson for Bollinger we'll have about the right balance of NSW players in the team.

[Mantis]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Not a good gloveman at the end.

And hello Haddin!

And if Killer MacGill returns and they drop Johnson for Bollinger we'll have about the right balance of NSW players in the team.

Your worse than a Hawthorn supporter...

[hujsh]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Not a good gloveman at the end.

And hello Haddin!

And if Killer MacGill returns and they drop Johnson for Bollinger we'll have about the right balance of NSW players in the team.

So Haydos, Punta, Simmo and Huss will be the only ones left

[GVGjr]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

I know DR bangs on about the NSW players but really they keep producing top players. WA with Voges, Pomersbach and Marsh might be ahead of the NSW batsman though

[Dry Rot]

Re: Good Bye Gilchrist.

Your worse than a Hawthorn supporter...

Possibly, but I don't wear the two colours of excrement.