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Gilchrist brings curtain down on Australian career

28/01/2008

Legendary wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist has admitted that the future of Australian cricket is reliant on a new breed of players.

Speaking publicly for the first time since confirming his retirement from the international game, Gilchrist fought back tears in his final press conference as a member of the Baggy Green.

"I know it's the right decision, so this is about happiness and really enjoying the moment and enjoying what we've all been a part of, what we've been lucky to be a part of," Gilchrist said of his decision to retire after 96 Tests.

His final appearance for the Australian side was spoilt somewhat by a rejuvenated Indian side who earned a draw after reaching stumps on 269-7 at the Adelaide Oval.

The result means that Australia claimed a 2-1 series win, but Gilchrist, 36, admits that the Aussies' recent domination of the sport may not be so easy in future years.

"When you lose the likes of [Shane] Warne and [Glenn] McGrath in particular, and [Justin] Langer and [Damien] Martyn, you come back to the field a bit," Gilchrist said after deciding to follow his peers into retirement.

"But everyone's aware of that. Cricket Australia has identified that, and the selectors have, and it's going to be an interesting journey. It will be enjoyable to sit back and watch."

Gilchrist is planning to keep wicket for Australia again in the upcoming one-day internationals against India and Sri Lanka but will not grace the Test arena again.

He leaves Test cricket as the world-record holder for most dismissals, after breaking the 416-mark of South Africa's Mark Boucher earlier this series.