Thursday, March 4, 2010

THE 'WALKER' WALKS AWAY

Two years ago, on this very day - 4th March, Adam Gilchrist, arguably the best wicketkeeper to have graced the sport, played the last international innings of his career in front of a packed Gabba against India.

The Aussie fans wanted Gilchrist to play another match at the Adelaide Oval - for a couple of reasons. One, to ensure that the best of three final goes into the 3rd match after India had sealed the 1st one. Two, to watch Gilchrist play one more time - a delight very rarely matched.

Though it was not a fitting end (Gilly played on for 2 and Australia went on to lose the match and the series), it was a still a glorious career. "To the team and all the support staff, it's been a magic ride," he said. "It's not a fairytale ending tonight, but it's been a fairytale career. To be involved with you guys is something I'll hold dear in my heart for the rest of my life."

And having watched you bat like just you can so many times is something we hold dear, Gilly! Out of the many qualities that he was renowned for, the one that stood out was his walk-when-you-know-its-out attitude. He was called unAustralian for it, but the world loved him just as much, if not more.

His last appearance in a World Cup match was the finals of 2007 World Cup in the Carribbean, where his awesome 149 all but sealed the tournament in Australia's favour. Though Gilly is till seen playing enthusiastically in the IPL, watching him bat in an international match (especially Tests) was a different experience altogether.

We wish you all the very best in whatever you do ahead, Gilly!

1 comment:

Aditya said...

Gilly will most probably bid farewell to competitive cricket after this IPL.

yes it sure was a treat to watch him pummel bowling attacks in tests!

SAVE OUR TIGER!