A Fantastic, Well-fought series between Australia and India comes to an end, and along with it ends a remarkable career, of probably the all-time best No. 7 batsman this world has ever seen!
Adam Gilchrist!! The name evoked awe and fear in the opposition for almost a decade in Test Cricket.
It has been a wonderful journey for him and he has given us a lot of moments to cherish!
Let us recap a little.
The One Day International triangular series between India, Australia and South Africa in 1997, saw a new wicketkeeper come into the Australian side in place of legendary Ian Healy and in Faridabad, on debut, He was bowled through the gates by the fiery Allan Donald.... and i had doubts about the player. I guess there were many more who had doubts then but how wrong were we! That player turned into one of the best stroke player this world ever saw!
Some of his best innings will remain itched in my memories forever, particularly, the fastest double century against New Zealand which was immediately taken over by Nathan Astle in the next innings and his century against India in Mumbai where Australia were reeling with half the side back in pavillion with less than a hundred on scoreboard.
And who can forget his fantastic century against Sri Lanka in the last World Cup Final!!!
Gilchrist has been a thorough gentleman on and off the field and had a reputation of walking away on his own if he was out! A rare phenomena these days.
In the twilight of his career, Gilly started dropping some odd catches.... very rare for a player of his caliber and quality! You can't blame him for a dropped catch considering he has more than 400 dismissals against his name in International cricket.
Glenn Mcgrath, Shane Warne and Brett Lee would have been incomplete without Gilly behind the stumps.
I am sure, All cricketing enthusiasts, across the world would be saddened that Gilly has bid the game adieu!
Without him, the Australian cricket will never be the same and Brad Haddin has a tough job ahead.
Thanks a lot for all the lovely memories and joy that you gave us on the cricketing field Gilly!
We will miss you, for sure.
