Retirement can wait, I am enjoying my game: Gilchrist

Melbourne, Dec 22 (UNI) Southpaw Adam Gilchrist may be on the verge of becoming the most successful wicketkeeper in the history of Australian cricket, but the gloveman revealed that he almost quit the game last year at this time.

Gilchrist, who needs another five dismissals to surpass Ian Healy's record of 395, said, ''This time last year I probably would have thought this one would be my last but I am just really enjoying it.

''It might be (my last). But there's a good chance it won't. I am not looking for any swansong or final farewell, just playing it as I go along,'' the left-hander was quoted by the local media.

Gilchrist said he found it hard to keep himself motivated and was uncertain about his future.

''It was very draining, I found. I don't know if every other player felt that, but I certainly did. This time last year leading into Christmas, I was as uncertain about my future as anyone,'' he said.

But the hardhitting wicketkeeper-batsman now feels rejuvenated after the break and assured that retirement plans has been pushed back.

''I'm just really enjoying my cricket, not carrying any big expectations or pressures that perhaps I'd built up on myself last year.

''Exactly how long I'm going to play for, I don't know. I feel like I'm in a very comfortable place and it's time just to enjoy it now and make the most of this time,'' he added.

Gilchrist, who has so far claimed 391 dismissals in 92 Tests, will be donning pink gloves to raise cancer awareness.

The 36-year-old said that getting the record against India would add value to his gloves and raise more money for the cause which is supported by former teammate and pacer Glenn McGrath.

''It would be fantastic for it to happen in Melbourne to value-add to those gloves to go to the McGrath Foundation to keep up the great work they're doing. It also means I've got five or six chances in the game, which means we're five or six wickets closer to winning the Test,'' he said.

When quized about any particular dismissal which has been edged in his memory, Gilchrist said he would always cherish a stumping off McGrath's bowling although the pace legend was embarrassed and has tried to disown it.

''I got a stumping off him in a one-dayer. It's the only dismissal in his career that he's tried to disown,'' Gilchrist quiped.

''I whipped the bails off in a one-dayer in Wellington and before the umpire had given it out, he said he didn't want the dismissal,'' he added with a air mischief.

UNI