Players responsible for Sydney fracas, admits Gilchrist

New Delhi, Mar 15 (UNI) Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist today admitted that the players did cross the line in the controversial Sydney Test and suggested that the Twenty20 cricket can enhance the game ''if used wisely''.

''Border-Gavaskar trophy has become one of the most high profile series in world cricket,'' Gilchrist said here during the ongoing India Today Conclave.

''With that great rivalry we are going to get great desires and sparks flying but I agree that in the Sydney Test players did cross the line.'' Gilchrist who has been signed by the Hyderabad franchise to play for the IPL added that Twenty20 cricket will help in taking cricket forward but only if it is used wisely.

''One-day matches never meant the death of Test cricket and it is still very much alive.

''Twenty20 cricket can enhance the game but only if is used wisely. It was through these Twenty20 tournaments that the West Indies board got the financial buoyancy they required,'' he said.

The left-handed wicketkeeper batsman who announced his retirement recently however, was impressed with Indian speedster S Sreesanth for his conduct during the Australian tour.

''Sreesanth was a changed man in the series Down Under and conducted himself very well... In fact that is the way to do it, let cricket do the talking for you.'' The 36-year-old then drew the attention towards Harbhajan Singh's remarks which said, ''even Gilchrist is not a saint''.

''There is no saint in this game and I never claimed that I am a saint because I am not,'' he replied.

Gilchrist also added that Sachin Tendulkar has been one of the best ambassadors for Indian cricket and said he was priveleged to have played with him.

''I have been fortunate enough to have played with Sachin.

''Nobody has carried himself the way Sachin has done throughout his career and the consistency he has showed is just amazing,'' he said.

He further added that India has had a great year in cricket so far but one will have to see if they can continue their good performances in future.

''India will have to perform more consistently and that is the biggest challenge which this young team will face. Our leaders have done it in past and that is why they have emerged as great cricketers and captains.'' UNI RAR RKM AS1835