Adam Gilchrist Reveals Why He Chose To Suddenly Retire In 2008 From Tests

Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist was one of the most influential players during Australia’s heydays. Alongside Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist formed a formidable opening stand in white-ball cricket. On the other hand, the southpaw batted at number seven in Tests, adding quick runs when Australia needed. He was also a terrific gloveman, accounting for 416 dismissals, which is the second-highest in the format Hence, a shock retirement in 2008, invited plenty of questions that Gilchrist has finally opened upon.

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It was after the fourth Test against India in Adelaide in 2008 that Adam Gilchrist took a step back from Test cricket after playing 96 fixtures. The Western Australian strode in for the fourth Test, denying reports of retirement but announced his decision half-way through the game. The hosts clinched the series by 2-1 in a controversial leg with Gilchrist scoring 150 runs in four Tests, affecting 25 catches.

Adam Gilchrist, who indulged in a chat with TV Presenter Madonna Tixeira in her show ‘Live Connect’, disclosed that he decided to retire after dropping VVS Laxman in a Test match. Gilchrist credited Laxman for his superlative achievements in whites and conceded one could not afford to give him reprieves.

“I reckon it’s a good reason to retire if you drop the catch of VVS Laxman in a Test match. You don’t wanna give him too many chances,” Adam Gilchrist stated.

So it was pretty easy to get out of there and say that’s me done for a while: Adam Gilchrist

The 48-year old went on to praise VVS Laxman and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who used to inflict the maximum damage on Australia. Hence, Gilchrist believed it was easy to go out of there and hang up the boots.

“He along with most of the Indian batting line up used to smash us and then Harbhajan would come and bowl us out. So it was pretty easy to get out of there and say that’s me done for a while,” he added.

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