Australia will miss Gilchrist: Hayden

Adelaide, Jan 26 (UNI) Opener Matthew Hayden admitted that wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist, who today announced his retirement from international cricket, will be deeply missed in the game.

''He will be deeply, deeply missed,'' Hayden said adding ''It's massive news, and surprising news.'' The upcoming Commonwealth Bank series against India and Sri Lanka will be Gilchrist's last international appearance.

The 36-year-old Gilchrist made the sudden announcement after the third day of the fourth Test against India in Adelaide just a day after becoming the most successful wicket-keeper in Test cricket.

Hayden, a long time opening partner of Gilchrist said the Australian vice-captain's services will be missed by his team in both forms of the game.

Hayden, who scored a century against India in the the first innings of the Adelaide Test praised his team-mate and called him a ''remarkable Australian'' who could change a game.

''He has been a remarkable Australian and held the Baggy Green in his hand with great pride and great passion, with great discipline and a great work ethic,'' he said.

Gilchrist made his debut against Pakistan at Brisbane in 1999 and has a staggering strike rate in both forms of the game. His career strike-rate in Tests is 81.97 whereas in ODIs his domination over other cricketing nations is at a strike rate of 96.90.

''Greatness is what we aspire to be in the Australian cricket team and he has filled everything that he has ever been asked to do by all his captains,'' Hayden said.

He further hailed Gilchrist's leadership skills and said he was privileged to have played the game with a player of his calibure.

''He's a fantastic leader and has the ability to be able to change the game. I think that is what made Adam one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

''From my point of view I fell incredibly privileged to have played with Adam for as long as I have.'' UNI XC RAR AB HS1850