Australian ace wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist said Monday he knew it was time to hang up his international gloves the moment he dropped Indian batsman VVS Laxman on the first day of the fourth Test here.
Gilchrist claimed the record for wicketkeeping dismissals the following day when he caught Anil Kumble to end the Indian’s first innings, but the 36-year-old said the Laxman drop convinced him it was time.
Gilchrist, who will retire from all international cricket at the conclusion of next month’s triangular one-day series against India and Sri Lanka, stunned the cricket world at the weekend with the sudden announcement, but said he was clear in his own mind.
“I don’t think anyone in this room has missed the fact that I did miss a few chances this series but it was bugging me,” he said.
“I couldn’t understand why. I was working hard but just that moment, that catch… I watched a replay quickly.
“I just moved really slow, I didn’t move well and it made me realise in the ensuing 10 or 15 minutes that that’s it, I’m not moving quite as well as I have.
“I just realised I didn’t have the absolute desperation that you need to continue to maintain your standards.
“I was still enjoying my cricket, I was enjoying the group, enjoying the change of leadership with a new coach and new players, but I just didn’t have that desperation to keep doing what it takes to maintain that level.”
Gilchrist said he went back to his hotel room that night and discussed retirement with wife Mel, reaching his final decision.
Having started his international career with one-day cricket, Gilchrist said it was fitting that he bid international cricket farewell in the same way.
At one stage he toyed with dropping one-day cricket to prolong his Test career, but said he was looking forward to saying goodbye to Australian fans during the tri-series in what will be an emotional farewell.
Gilchrist signed with the Indian IPL Twenty20 tournament and said he was looking forward to being a part of the rich new competition — proof he has no intention of retiring from all cricket.