he will be playing the ODI series in Australia
Gilchrist hangs up his gloves
Final call
January 26, 2008
AUSTRALIAN vice-captain and wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist announced his retirement Saturday night from all forms of cricket.
Gilchrist, 36, said he would retire from Test cricket at the conclusion of current clash against India at the Adelaide Oval before finishing up his Australian career at the conclusion of the upcoming one-day tri series involving India and Sri Lanka.
Saturday's announcement will also see an end to his career with Western Australia and Perth Cricket Club.
It is not yet certain whether he will take part in the lucrative Indian Premier League Twenty20 tournament in India later this year.
"It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and one-day cricket," Gilchrist said.
"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."
Gilchrist said he was keen to spend more time with his wife Mel and their three children.
He thanked Cricket Australia, the Western Australian Cricket Association and Cricket NSW and all his team-mates and support staff.
Gilchrist became the world record holder for most Test dismissals by a wicketkeeper when he effected his 414th career dismissal Saturday to move past South Africa's Mark Boucher.
The West Australian made his Test debut in 1999 and has played 96 Tests in succession, also a record.
Apart from his keeping success, Gilchrist revolutionised the game as an attacking batsman from No.7 and scored 5556 runs at 47.89, with a highest score of 204 not out. He scored 17 Test centuries.
Gilchrist also captained Australia in five Tests, in the absence of Steve Waugh and then Ricky Ponting, for a record of three wins, one loss and one draw.
Gilchrist made his first-class debut in 1992-93 for NSW but established himself when he crossed the country and played for Western Australia.
He made his international debut in 1996 when he played the first of 277 one-day internationals.
He was a star in the limited-overs game as an opening batsman, and played a part in Australia's World Cup triumphs in 1999, 2003 and last year in the Caribbean.
In one-day internationals he scored 9297 runs at an average of 36.03, with 15 centuries and a highest score of 172, and he took a total of 454 dismissals.
Despite breaking the Test keeping record yesterday, he has endured his struggles this summer through several costly dropped catches.
However he has maintained he would always leave the game on his own terms.
He said Friday night he would inform the public and media when he would retire, but gave no indication of when that would be.
His position is now likely to be taken by NSW's Brad Haddin, his long-time understudy.
AAP
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,23113948-23212,00.html
