A legend departs

Photo courtesy : cricinfo

It was a fascinating week. It was full of mixed emotions as far as a true cricket fan is concerned. India managed to thrust the thorns deep into Australia's skin after the eventful test series. Two straight demoralising defeats pushed Australia to a 'never-before' panic situation. Amidst all the drama, it was a quiet farewell for the legendary cricketer of all times - Adam Gilchrist.

Not certainly the fairy tale ending to a fabulous career, but it had to happen. Gilli would have liked a different ending to his career, but he should be a happy man at the end of the day. His contributions to Cricket Australia and world cricket is more valuable. Batting at no.7 in test matches, Gilli has produced some scintillating knocks which revolutionised the batting style in test cricket. According to me, Hayden wouldn't have been so successful without him.

His records speaks for himself - I need not put anything new. So many things are written about him at this juncture, this article is nothing special. But, being a die-hard cricket fan and since Gilli is one of my all-time favourites, I felt that it is necessary to record something from my part as curtains fall on a great cricketer's career.

I remember watching Gilli's debut ODI match way back in 1996 against South Africa which Australia lost. Ironically, Australia lost the final ODI which he took part. I am fortuante enough to watch both these matches. Like Shane Warne's and Steve Waugh's, Gilli's retirement is also on a high except for the fact that his team is not on a good run. One can hardly spot a lean patch in his career in both forms of the game, which is a rare happening for a wicket-keeper batsman. He was brilliant with the bat and amazing behind the stumps. Even though he has not had the best of relationships with the ace spinner Warne, it has never been a problem on the field. Unlike Steve Waugh, Gilli always walks out immediately without even waiting for the umpire's decision if he knows that he is out. This makes him a genuine cricketer more than his technical brilliance.

Bye Bye Gilli ! We miss you...


Signing off,
Gowri Shankar