update...Gilchrist announces retirementPosted 1 hour 28 minutes ago
Updated 29 minutes ago
The Western Australian keeper-batsman has been criticised after missing a series of chances in the series against India, despite claiming the world record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper with his 414th dismissal on the second day of the fourth Test at the Adelaide Oval.In a statement from Cricket Australia (CA), Gilchrist says he will bow out of Test cricket following the end of the current fourth Test against India, and one-day internationals after the upcoming triangular series against India and Sri Lanka.
He says he has made the decision to spend time away from the game and enjoy more time with his friends and family.
"It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and one-day cricket," he said.
"I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me."
He has also paid tribute to the international cricket community.
"Also thank you to all my team-mates and support staff who have given me the most enjoyable, fun career anyone could hope for and to the many officials and opponents I have come across," he said.
"It has been terrific to play against you and more importantly get to know you."
Gilchrist has played 95 Test matches, scoring 5,556 with a batting average of 47.90 in an illustrious career.
The 36-year-old has captained Australia both in Tests and one-day cricket and his record in the abbreviated form of the game is equally as imposing.
He has made 9,297 runs and taken 454 dismissals from 277 appearances and played in three consecutive World Cup winning teams.
But his form with the bat has slumped in the last few years, and he has averaged just 30.70 over the past three years, a disappointing figure by his lofty standards.
His wicket-keeping form has been under particular pressure lately, particularly after dropping a regulation catch to give VVS Laxman a life from the bowling of Brett Lee on Friday.
Fine career
CA chairman Creah O'Connor says Gilchrist has had enormous influence on the game.
"Adam has unquestionably been Australia's finest ever wicket-keeper batsman," he said.
"He has been a great adornment to the game of cricket and his statistics with bat and gloves speak for themselves."
Gilchrist told his team-mates earlier today and batsman Matthew Hayden says Gilchrist has picked a great time to go.
"He's gone out exactly when he wants to go out," he said.
"I guess, standing in the middle with him and alongside him and being under the pump with him and knowing him inside out, I know this is exactly how he wants to go out.
"We're all very, very proud of him and i'm sure Australia is as well."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/26/2147290.htm 
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