Australian opener Matthew Hayden said Adam Gilchrist was one of the greatest players the game had ever seen after the wicketkeeper-batsman announced his retirement yesterday.
Gilchrist told teammates of his shock decision before the third day's play in the fourth Test against India and will hang up the gloves after the upcoming triangular one-day series.
A veteran of 96 Tests and 277 one-day internationals and the new record holder for most Test dismissals, Hayden said Gilchrist was one of the most influential players the game had produced.
"It's massive news and it's surprising news," he said. "From my point of view I feel incredibly privileged to have played with Adam for as long as I have. He's held the baggy green in his hand with great pride, great passion, great discipline and great work ethic."
Hayden said Gilchrist would leave a lasting legacy in world cricket.
"The flamboyant nature equals the greats of Vivian Richards and some of the other calypso characters that we've seen over the years," he said. "It's all been such an inspiring and stellar performance over such a long period of time. Longevity is the ultimate pat on the back when it comes to a professional sportsman."
Hayden said the popular left-hander would be deeply missed in the Australian team and said it was a privilege to partner Gilchrist at the top of the order in one-day cricket.
Hayden said it had been an emotional time when Gilchrist informed his fellow players.
"Adam informed everyone individually this morning, there was a lot of emotion," he said. "What he wants out of this is to celebrate this Test match."
Hayden wouldn't be drawn on the reasoning behind Gilchrist's decision, just 24 hours after seemingly indicating he wanted to play on.
"Adam will talk about his emotions at the end of this Test match," he said. "Adam will tell you why he actually decided to retire.
■ FOURTH TEST
On a day overshadowed by the sudden retirement of Adam Gilchrist, tensions between Australia and India surfaced again on the third day of the fourth and final Test yesterday.
In reply to India's 526, the hosts were 322 for three at stumps, with a watchful captain Ricky Ponting on 79 and Michael Clarke on 37.
Australia trail by 204 runs and scored just 260 for the day, with Indian batsman Virender Sehwag claiming the home side were running scared and had adopted a safety first attitude.
Australian opener Matthew Hayden, who made his 30th Test century, fired back by saying the Indians deliberately bowled negatively to restrict scoring.
But Hayden said the tactic suited Australia perfectly, as they lead the series 2-1 and are content to settle for a draw.
"I think it is purely a response to the way India decided to bowl," Hayden said of the slow scoring. "They have very wide tactics and that was indicated by the fact they didn't want to take the new ball, they just wanted to stop us scoring, which is perfect for us really because all we wanted to do was bat for time in the game."
Sehwag said Australia refused to play attacking shots because they were afraid of defeat.
"I think it's been a great day for India, the bowlers did a great job on a flat track," he said. "I think they're not going to win so they are scared and playing very defensive. They only scored 260 in a day, this is not like Australia. Last time we came here they scored 400 in a day, I think they're scared about defeat.
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