Adam Gilchrist retires: a tribute

Read the tribute then cast your vote below to the poll: is Adam Gilchrist the best all-rounder ever?

Gradually, the greatest team of cricketers to have played the game is breaking up. Warne, McGrath, Langer and Martyn are gone and to their list is now added Adam Gilchrist, the man who redefined the idea that a wicketkeeper should only need to be a skilled glovesman, yet who batted for almost all his Test career at No 7, when any other side would have placed a batsman of his calibre in the top five.

Heroes are inevitably soon replaced by new heroes, who ease the pain of their parting. Australia will find another match-winning spinner before long; in Stuart Clark they have another Glenn McGrath; they have no shortage of excellent batsmen. Yet for all the promise of Gilchrist's likely successors, Brad Haddin, Luke Ronchi or whoever, it is hard to see there being another wicketkeeper out there who can average over 50, as Gilchrist did for all but 18 of his 96 Tests. In fact, there is one: but he is Sri Lankan.

By his brilliance with the bat, married to an undoubted reliability with the gloves, Gilchrist created an idea of what a wicketkeeper should be that few have lived up to, especially in this country. Would Chris Read have played 60 Tests for England by now if it wasn't for Gilchrist? Would Alec Stewart be regarded as a brilliant wicketkeeper-batsman because he averaged almost 40 when he was keeper, rather than a nearly man?

There are so many memories of Gilchrist as a player that stand out - winning a World Cup final with a squash ball stuffed in his glove to improve his batting; his 152 at Edgbaston in 2001 that set up an innings win and got the Ashes off to a bad start for England; his double hundred - at a run a ball! - in Johannesburg as Australia beat South Africa by the astounding matter of an innings and 360 runs.

Yet I want to share two memories of Gilchrist the man, because they reveal much about his character. He was not a typical Aussie cricketer. Competitive, yes, but he had a reputation too as a gentleman, an honourable man, one who always regarded playing for Australia as the most immense privilege. In a series when questions have been raised about the spirit of the game, Gilchrist always played in the right spirit.

He had a reputation as a walker and I remember when Australia arrived in England in 2005 for the Ashes, Gilchrist was cheekily asked at a press conference if that good attitude would stand in a close series. If it comes down to the Oval, he was asked, and England need one wicket to win the Ashes, and you get a thin edge behind, would you walk? He paused, smiled and then said: "Ahh mate, if those were the circumstances, there's no way I'd have edged it." He meant - and certainly it was taken this way by all the journalists - that far from feigning innocence to the umpire, he would simply not have played such a rash stroke.

The other memory comes from a week earlier on that tour. As they had in 2001, when Australia visited Gallipolli on the way to England, a team-bonding trip was planned, this time to the war graves and trenches of Normandy. I went along for The Times that day and wrote in this piece how I was moved by the occasion. It was a grim, grey day and the players walked sombrely between the rows of white tombstones. There was no larking about, just solemn reflection of how privileged they were to be representing the same country as these real heroes.

They stood by the war memorial at Villers-Bretonneaux, where Gilchrist was asked to read Laurence Binyon's ode for the fallen. He was the ideal choice: a prime example of "mateship" yet also a dignified figurehead for modern Australia. He was the statesman of the team. And at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we cricket lovers everywhere shall remember him.

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Comments

[Simon]

Sadly, Adam G. marred his career with his behaviour. He claimed to be a "walker", but in the same series he disgracefully engineered the umpires to make incorrect decisions to Andrew Strauss, thereby damaging the latter's confidence in the whole game, I should imagine.

[Michael Gooding]

No he didn't change the role at all - there have been plenty of batsman-keepers (Ames, Lindsay, Marsh, Parks); he excelled at that role, he didn't change it.

As for "the greatest team of cricketers to have played the game"; Clive Lloyd might beg to differ. They have certainly been the most foul-mouthed though so, by and large, good riddance.

[Dan'l]

The modern habit of trying to declare the greatest "of all time" is utterly ridiculous, and meaningless. Gilchrist is undeniably a great player, and great person. Can't we leave it at that? Okay, let's revel in the statistics, or better yet, wallow in the anecdotes of particular tests. But, for the love of all things rational, please give up this best of all time nonsense. It's disrespectful to the players (those past, and those being peaened currently).

Thank you.

[Joe]

Greatest all rounder is generally defined as being best overall batsman/bowler. I think it is fair to say he is probably the best test batsman/wicket keeper of all time.

[Rana]

Gilly was trend-setter, reliable, entertaining and honest to the core. Only he can walk out a few tests shy of 100 tests. Once these Gillys, Mcgraths, Sachins, Gangulys, Kumbles, Pontings are gone, I dont know whether I will have the same level of left in cricket .. Gilly's retirement truly marked the end of an era .. a gentleman-cricketer who *never* looked put his own interest ahead of the team ..

[Joshua Stewart]

He is good and he is very entertaining. But is our memory so short and are we that short sighted that we have forgotten Sir Garfield Sobers?

[beans]

Well done, Gilly. U are really one of the best wicketkeeper-batsman.

Luv u forever!!!!

[Prabhat]

Australian team are going to miss a giant with Gilly's departure. He was one of those rare talents who was not only good in wicket-keeping, extremely agile on the field, excellent batsman (not many wicket keepers are creative batsmen) and a great bridge between usually feuding (sledging) teams. Hope he passes on his talent to the next generation cricketers in Australia.
Have a good retirement!

[John Jorrocks]

If we are going to raise the subject, Patrick, don't you think we ought to ask ourselves what we mean when we say "all-rounder" today? If I had to pick a team, it goes without saying that I'd pick Gilchrist before Kallis. I'd pick Freddie before Kallis.
My point was just that statistics lie more often than not. Kallis's average is nearly eight runs more than Viv Richards. Would anyone suggest that he was the better batsman? In fact, Kallis - the flat-track bully - averages more than Lara and Tendulkar as well.
Gilchrist has redefined the role of the wicketkeeper-batsman. Every one who comes after him has to be measured against him. I'm pretty sure - aren't you? - that he would be more than pleased with that achievement. A very great cricketer and a very good man. Why isn't that enough?

[Patrick Kidd]

Hi John
Nope, not seriously suggesting that at all. But does it make Kallis a better all-rounder than Gilchrist? I still don't think so, but it is hard to compare a batsman who bowls with one who keeps.

[John Jorrocks]

Jacques Kallis has made a ton of runs against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh: Sobers never played against them. You aren't seriously suggesting that the names of Kallis and Sobers can be mentioned in the same breath, are you?

[tommo]

There's more to being the greatest than figures alone, thank goodness. Impressive as Sobers's stats are they give no idea of the unique cricketer he was. He was held in awe by the public and fellow pro's alike. Pat Pocock once admitted that in a county game he bowled to him so as not to get him out, so he could watch him bat! What other cricketer has ever been treated with that sort of respect? When Sobers walked out to bat, the crowd held its breath. When Kallis walks out to bat it's time for a beer and a walk round the ground!

[Patrick Kidd]

This may be a controversial view (and I'm not sure even I agree with it) but people are quite rightly saying that a batting average of almost 58 and 200 Test wickets makes Sobers a better all-rounder than Gilchrist. However, Jacques Kallis averages more than 58 with the bat and his bowling average for 224 wickets is 31 - three lower than Sobers's. Does that make Kallis the greatest all-rounder??

[tommo]

I see 70% think Gilchrist the greatest all-rounder ever. Well all I can say is I assume none of those 70% saw Sobers play. Gilly was probably the best test no. 7, and one of the best keepers. But greatest all-rounder? Don't be funny.

Best allrounder - probably not but only just - he's the record holder for most dismissal for a wicket keeper plus ave +45 or there abouts - and it must be remembered that he often gave his wicket away in the pursuit of quick runs. As for his manner - you'd be surprised but most Australian's are of similar character, we aren't all Shane Warne's in the same way the English aren't all Wayne Rooney's. I rest my case!

[MATHIES]

CONTEMPORTORY GENTELMAN –CRICKETOR ... I wish him all the best

[MATHIES]

CONTEMPORTORY GENTELMAN –CRICKETOR -

[Mr A Nel]

Not bad.

Couldn't contemplate 'you know who' again in 10 months time. Bummer, I've been lulling him into a false sense of security for 8 years.

Oh well, time for a new victim.

Good luck to Gilly in retirement. I'm sure we'll catch up frequently for some fishing and a chat about the good times. Funny, I'm still waiting for Pidgeon, Brian, Lang and Marto to call. They must have lost my number...

[Todd]

Gilly should host a party with Cory.

It would be very balanced.

[James]

Rusty, I think the line is meant to be read 'not a typical [Aussie cricketer]', rather than 'not a [typical Aussie] cricketer'. But it still grates. Plenty of Australian cricketers at all levels from club to country have been and are honourable men, and many would count as 'gentlemen' in any sense of that covert-signal-sending word with real ethical overtones. Competitiveness doesn't preclude fairness.

[Humphrey B Bear]

Gday Pat

I don't think you're stereo-typing anyone. The article is about Gilly isn't it? Not about Aussies in general. I'm very sensitive to stereotyping as you know. Sore heads, sh*tting in the woods, destroying stock markets, etc. All crap. They drive me mad. I know it when I see it Pat, and it ain't above.

We Aussies have been a touch testy about issues of integrity and sportsmanship of late, that's all. I've even had my difficulties grinning and Bearing it. Well, grinning anyway.

Top article. Yes, Gilly is a gentleman in an era of petulance. If more players from all countries played with his good humour and simple respect for the game, the ugly spectacles we see so often these days would not be.

If I could talk, I'd be roaring a mighty 'Three Cheers' at the end of play to Gilly over a Scotch and Honey. As is, I shall be miming one from the Adelaide Members. Watch for me beside the player's race. I'll be the tall one with the little blonde, human assistant.

Seeya mate.

[Sham Sharmq]

Adam will be missed by BILLION'S of his fans around the world.

Over the years people loved his blazing batting and wicket keeping skills

He never disappointed anyone..from his team mates,captain, spectators, to opponent bollers... He made everyone SMILE .. With his top class batting he always lifted the Game and morals of his team and captain ... With his lighting shots he give spectatots ..what they came to watch on the ground.. With his eagners to hit every ball ..he never let the boller to give up their hope to get his wicket..

He was "extremly well behaved and disciplined and fair player on the aussie side"

We thank him for entertaining us over the years .. we respect his decision and we wish him ALL THE BEST for his next career move

[John Jorrocks]

Adam Gilchrist was an extraordinary cricketer, the greatest wicket-keeper-batsman to ever play the game. Doe he average nearly 58 runs an innings in Test matches? Has he scored 26 Test centuries and taken over 200 wickets (bowling fast, fast-medium, left-arm chinamen)? And is he regarded as one of the greatest fielders to ever play the game?
Well, then. He isn't the greatest all-rounder to ever play the game. This is sentimentality gone mad.
Incidentally, Patrick, it is "Laurence", not "Lawrence", Binyon.

[Ronnie Bourne]

Its only possible to say that he is the greatest ever all rounder if you also say that Gary Sobers was the greatest cricketer ever.

[peter mclean]

Almost a nice piece on Gilly.

Is he the only "gentleman" in the Australian team?
Name an Englishman "gentleman" who will walk when given not out?

It's such a shame that you can't let your prejudice be suppressed for this tribute.

[Peter McGuinness]

Thank you for a Pommy tribute to Gilchrist Patrick.

All jokes aside - quite classy, and proof that your love of cricket sits nobly above the fun and pettiness of commonwealth rivalry.

I very much look forward to a similar heartfelt synopsis when the great Nel hangs up the boots in a year or two.

It would have been nice to see Gilchrist try for another Ashes, but his body would not obey him toward the end. He'll be sorely missed, that's for sure.

[Mrs E.V Edwards]

Hello Dear

Adam is a lovely boy.

Such large ears though. His eyesight was somewhat on the way out, but his hearing remained excellent to the end.

That's why he walked after thin edges you know Patrick.

Take care dear. Eat your greens.

[Peter McGuinness]

A good time for Gilly to go - what a one of kind. Good luck to the champ. Go and put those creaky knees on ice for a couple of years and enjoy your family Gilly - no one has earned it more than you!!

Note: 1) every single Australian's heart bursts from their chests at being honoured with a Baggy Green, and every father's son would kill to represent his country on the cricket field. 2) Why is Gilly unusual for being honourable? Is that you Dileep? Or is a certain someone who looks like a less well-fed 'Edge' doing some moonlighting on L&L?

Warming up for the main game in 18 months already. GOOD STUFF.

[Ann]

I would be interested to know who regards Alec Stewart as a 'nearly' man. I have never spoken to any England supporter, at any rate, who didn't regard him as a brilliant wicketkeeper-batsman. I was privileged to see him shine as such in Test matches at the Oval.

[Todd]

Gilchrist will be remembered longest and cherished most. Simply, he changed the role of the keeper, changed the way batting orders were constructed. Previously, keepers had been little, cheeky fellows built along the lines of jockeys who advanced their tallies with idiosyncratic strokes sent into improbable places. By and large, they did not alter the course of an innings. Gilchrist was having none of that. Instead, he became two cricketers, a dashing and dangerous batsman and a polished gloveman. Throughout his career, Australian has been playing with 12 men. He made cricket sexy again.

[Ernie]

Well done Gilly.

Go out on top mate.

What do you mean he is not an Aussie. He is the most quentisential Aussie of all time.

All Aussies have a part of Adam Gilchrist in their soul.

He is typical of the type of bloke you will find walking down the streets of Bondi or Toorak or Adelaide.

All Aussies are the same.

[Oscar the Grouch]

Patrick - thanks for an eloquent and elegant tribute to Adam Gilchrist. Frankly, his announcement today takes from me pretty much all interest in which team wins this test. I will be happy if he gets just one bat on a ball in classic Gilchrist style - just one, because it is in the nature of the man to play every ball as best he can, and the results can be as dramatically bad as wonderful. He doesn't know the meaning of parsimony in his cricket and we have all been treated to some wonderful moments as a result.

For the last couple of years I have wondered whether his eyesight is starting to lose its acuity - when he's been on top it doesn't seem to matter who has been bowling, when he has been off song, equally so. Is there - and this is a serious, not rhetorical, question - any keeper who has watched more balls from the world's greatest bowlers (by statistics, not a matter of nationalistic pride) come rattling down to him? I would absolutely like to know; it would put his place in perspective.

As a batsman, he has surely been one of those who has brought a frisson to everybody every time he has walked out to the crease - his opposition and spectators alike. He will be sorely missed.

[Rusty]

I usually enjoy your posts, but as you to knowing what a typical Aussie is - you wouldn't have a tinkers! Stick to cricket and don't bother with your attempts at racial stereotypes.