Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has brushed aside suggestions that he is on the verge of retiring from international cricket.
Melbourne, Jan.23 : Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist has brushed aside suggestions that he is on the verge of retiring from international cricket.
Gilchrist, 36, declared that he wants to play for at least another year and did not rule out returning for another home summer.
"I have no intention of quitting and haven't given it any thought. I am really enjoying my cricket and I could be here next summer. There is no reason to think that this could be my last Test (in Australia)," The Daily Telegraph quoted Gilchrist, as saying.
Gilchrist said that he was hopeful about playing 100 Tests for Australia, and added that the forthcoming tour to the Caribbean tour in June would allow him to reach that landmark.
Opener Matthew Hayden has already spoken of his desire to play until 40 and Gilchrist may not be far off from that mark when his time is finally up.
If he was to play against New Zealand and South Africa next summer, the chances are at 37 he would make his fourth tour of England midway through 2009.
But he must first negotiate a hectic 2008, which features the in-doubt tour of Pakistan, the West Indies and India.
National selection chairman Andrew Hilditch said he would discuss with Gilchrist his long-term plans during contract negotiations in April.
"He hasn't given any indication yet of retiring," Hilditch said yesterday.
Gilchrist has endured a modest series against India, averaging 22.66 in six innings, but in Melbourne he passed Ian Healy's career record for most Test dismissals by an Australian.
He will begin the Adelaide Test just three behind South African Mark Boucher's all-time record of 413 dismissals.
Gilchrist has revolutionised the No. 7 role in the Test arena and the opening slot in one-day cricket, but there are concerns he is not the same force he was.
The West Australian has managed only two centuries in his past 40 Test innings and his career average has dipped from 61 in October 2003 to a still-strong 47.89.
ANI