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Cricket

Gilchrist breaks dismissals record

25/01/2008

Australia's Adam Gilchrist has broken the world record for the most Test dismissals by a wicket-keeper during the fourth Test against India.

The 36-year-old eclipsed recent criticism of his form by surpassing South African keeper Mark Boucher's tally of 413 dismissals with the third of his four catches during the Indian first innings, bagging the record after catching India's captain Anil Kumble off the bowling of Michael Johnson.

Gilchrist had come under fire in recent weeks after dropping four catches in the second Test in Sydney and spilling a relatively simple chance on the first day of the fourth Test in Adelaide.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh had particularly harsh words for the keeper, writing in his newspaper column that Gilchrist's "concentration and consequently his sharpness of footwork hasn't been up to his usual exceptional standard".

He added that Gilchrist dropping VVS Laxman on day one "could have really hurt Australia".

However Gilchrist told a news conference after the conclusion of play that he was used to criticism of his work behind the stumps.

"It's always seemed like with my keeping I've had to maintain a high standard and if I didn't people will pounce on it very quickly," he said.

"I've made a lot of mistakes and if you rock up for 96 Test matches you're going to make the odd mistake, so I've always felt there have been some critics out there who have been very quick to pounce.

"So I've used that as an incentive to help motivate me. I feel like I've maintained a high standard more often than not."

Gilchrist's 414 dismissals from 96 Tests were made up of 377 catches and 37 stumps while he has also scored 17 centuries and 26 fifties at an average of 47.89.

"I am thrilled to be the world record holder," he added. "It is a really nice satisfying achievement."