AWESOME GILLY AND HIS MAGIC MILESTONE

AWESOME GILLY AND HIS MAGIC MILESTONE

Six foot one inch walks with a swagger, has great temperament, uncommon skills, majestic, gorgeous and lovable personality. He is surely once in a generation cricketer. Yes, we are taking about Gilly or Adam Craig Gilchirst.

Adam Craig Gilchrist, ‘Gilly’ is no more part of International cricket arena. He has taken retirement from all version of the Game. He made his O.D.I debut in 1996 against Pakistan and played his first test match against Pakistan in 1999. He played his last test and O.D.I match against India in 2007-8. Gilly’s retirement is good news for all those bowlers, who have been hammered by him during his cricketing days. And it’s bad news for his fans, which will miss his flashy strokes, fierce cuts, pulls and typical Gilly batting style. He has revolutionized the no. 7 role in the test arena and the opening slot in One-day cricket. He always played right innings at the right time, and that too when Australia needs those quick runs.

In his cricketing days, Gilly has felicitated by so many awards. In 2002, Gilchirst was one of five wisden cricketers of the year. He won best O.D.I Australia player of the year award in 2003-4. For 2004-5 he was voted as ‘world’s scariest batsman’ in a poll of International Bowlers. Even in the slower version of test cricket, he was known for his explosive batting helping win a test match which was headed for a sure draw.

Gilchrist has ushered in an era of the batsman-wicketkeeper. He dented opposition psychologically, with his destructive batting and astonishing ability behind the wickets. Gilchrist also scored the fastest Australian test century
He was an honest cricketer who would start walking, whenever he knew he was out. He always upheld the spirit of the game with his noble action. How can we forget the 2003 world cup semi-final match, when he started walking before the umpire decision took the decision; it was a shock, yet a surprising act.
Australian cricket will take a long time to fill his place. He was truly an inspiring person and extraordinary cricketer.

Published: www.merinews.com
Writer: Rakesh Bhandari