ICC T20 World Cup 2022: "Love Cricket At All Levels, I’ll Watch Any Cricket, And Love Going There" - Adam Gilchrist

One of Australia’s all-time finest cricketers is Adam Gilchrist. He has won three World Cups himself and is currently doing commentary for Fox Sports during the Twenty20 World Cup.

In a recent interview, Adam Gilchrist talks about how the current World Cup is showing the positive effect of the T20 format on the cricket landscape by bringing the associate nations onto the grand stage. He also advised people to not compare the T20 format with others.

The former Australian wicket-keeper also talked about his love for the game. How he enjoys being there and being a part of the commentary crew, and he will watch any cricket match.

T20 Format Showing It’s Positive Impact On Lesser Known Nations: Adam Gilchrist

Adam Gilchrist has witnessed many World Cups, many of them up close. When asked about how entertaining is the present one compared to others, he stated:

“Oh, look, obviously there’s been some frustrations with the weather, but putting that aside, there’s been some extraordinary results, and I think that the big indicator out of this particular tournament is showing just what positive effect the T20 format has had on the cricketing landscape in bringing the lesser-known nations closer to being competitive and indeed beating on some occasions the more established cricketing nations.

Right from game one, Namibia beating Sri Lanka, and obviously the West Indies getting knocked over, Ireland beating England. It’s proven to be unpredictable and creates a great deal of interest, I think,” the 50-year-old said.

Adam Gilchrist Advise People To Not Compare The Formats

Twenty20 cricket is sometimes criticised by purists and sceptics who believe that it is a very disposable format that won’t produce the unforgettable moments that longer formats do. Sharing his opinion on the same, Adam Gilchrist said:

“I think so. It’s tough to imagine some people ever warming to it, but my only advice is don’t try to compare the formats.

“Because they’re totally different, but still [proper cricket] at their foundations – that’s what’s made T20 a likeable, well-received, popular format, that it’s legitimate cricket.

And by virtue of that, it’s just compacting the action and making it more exciting and unpredictable. So, as I say, don’t compare them: this is really about entertainment, but tell the players that it’s not serious and meaningful and I think you’ll be scowled at because you see how much it means to be representing their country and trying to win a World Cup”.

Adam Gilchrist Shares His Best Moment From T20 World Cup 2022

When asked if he has ever witnessed a game like the one between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, where the players leave the field, shake hands, and then discover that the game isn’t truly done yet?

(In that game, the third umpire ruled that the wicketkeeper had collected the final ball in front of the stumps, making it a no-ball and leaving  one ball remaining, allowing Zimbabwe one final chance to win—which they failed to take.)

The former Australian opener said:

I don’t think I have. That was amazing. I was actually at a function where it was on the big screen but you couldn’t hear any commentary. You could see what was going on. After what we thought was the last ball, we all thought OK, Bangladesh win, and you turn to start your conversation with the people at the function.

Then after about five or six minutes someone goes, hang on, what’s going on here? You swing round and they’re all walking back out. Then to see almost an instant replay of the ball before. Quite extraordinary. I wonder what would’ve happened if he did hit the winning runs – it would’ve been crazy.

Though this tournament has produced many spectacular finishes, that isn’t the only one. Adam Gilchrist feels that he has not seen a finish like the one in the India-Pakistan game.

I don’t think I’ve seen a finish like the one in the India-Pakistan game. Anyone with half an interest in cricket knows the build-up to those games, and sometimes they don’t reach any great heights, but that couldn’t have gotten any higher. 

Love Cricket At All Levels: Adam Gilchrist

Gilchrist feels that he does not feel like missing out from cricket at all when asked if he does miss being in the middle. He said that he had his go and its great fun to observe the current Australian team go about it.

“I haven’t at all really. Probably the closest I’ve felt since I retired – and I’ve been out from full-time cricket, from the Australian team for 14 years now – sometimes when you’re covering day five of a Test match, when a team is out there in the field hunting down that victory: those were the best days.

If it’s gone to day five and a result is on the cards, you know it’s probably been a pretty decent Test match. They were the most fulfilling days – you’re in the dirt with your mates and doing everything to try to achieve a victory.

Then if you happen to get it, late on day five, they were the most memorable ones. But honestly, no, I haven’t missed it. I had my go, we had our turn, and it’s great fun to observe the current group go about it. I still love going to the cricket,” Gilchrist said.

However, Adam Gilchrist admitted that he still loves cricket and loves going there and being part of the commentary team.

No, still love it. Love cricket at all levels. I’ll watch any cricket, and love going there and being part of the commentary team. The moment I’m not enjoying that I probably won’t do it. 

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