Age no bar, Gilly rules out retirement

By Staff
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Sydney, Dec 22 (UNI) Age would never be a factor for Adam Gilchrist in deciding his retirement time and the swashbuckling wicket-keeper has ruled out the possibility of following in the steps of Shane Warne and calling it quits anytime soon.

Gilchrist, who turned 35 last month, is among the veterans in the Australian team who are expected to retire before or after next year's World Cup.

However, the left-hander, voted as the 'World's Scariest Batsman' in an exclusive poll of international bowlers, asserted that he did not have any retirement plans and would continue playing after the World Cup.

''I don't think the limitation of age should be put on anyone,'' Gilchrist was quoted by 'Sportal' as saying.

''But it takes a very strong character and great person to walk away from something they love so much, even when they're at the top of their game. Warney's obviously made that decision that the time's right, and all credit to him, and not outstaying his welcome, although the welcome mat was always going to be there,'' he added, reflecting on Warne's decision to say goodbye to cricket after the Ashes.

The destructive wicket-keeper-bat was also sure that the Aussies will be able to continue their world dominance despite retirements by key players like Warne and Damien Martyn.

Gilchrist said the Aussies had the bench strength to compensate for the loss of big names.

''Australian cricket is in a much better position now by way of the talent ready to fill those positions than perhaps where it was in the mid 1980s -- no disrespect to the players in the 80s,'' he observed.

''I think the coaching structures and development programs and having learnt from that experience has enabled us to bolster ourselves for that transition (of players retiring), whether that happen over a six-week or six-month period,'' he added.

Gilchrist, however, admitted that the World Champions would not be able to continue their absolute dominance after Warne's retirement but asserted that the Aussies would not be weekened to the extent of collapsing either.

''We have been without them (Warne and Glenn McGrath) before -- and at the same time -- and we have still been able to win but maybe not as comprehensively,'' Gilchrist said.

''It is going to be extremely difficult to maintain the playing style or types of standards we have hit under the guidance of McGrath and Warne when that day comes and they are both not there.

''But I think we can maintain the standards of being one of the most competitive teams in the world if not maintaining the number one position,'' he added.

The left-hander said all the players in the team, who have crossed 35, have been honest about their position with Cricket Australia and hoped that CA would be ready to handle the situation when they retire.

''I just think Cricket Australia has been very aware of it, it's not like we have suddenly woken up at 35 it has been a year by year proposition to deal with. And we are aware of it as players and we have been honest with the selectors and administrators with a realistic outlook,'' he said.

UNI XC PM AY BD1328

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