The Warrior of Oz.

The twenty seventh day of January 2008 marks the end of an era.

Climbing up the stairway with measured steps he disappeared in to the dressing room perhaps never to wield the willow in white and baggy green ever again. With his departure from the 22 yards at the Adelaide Oval the curtains have come down on the career of the greatest wicket keeper batsmen in the history of the game. He redefined the role that the wicket keepers had to play in the game of cricket. Prior to Gilli's era, wicket keepers were perceived to be fielders who kept wickets and were push over batsmen.

With the advent of Adam Gilchrist all that changed. He not only mesmerized the cricketing world with his magical glove work but also captivated millions with his maverick like batting prowess. Who will ever forget those fierce cuts, the bludgeons to the cover fence, the pull shots in which the ball was picked up from outside the off stump, those slashes that went for maximum and the mid air collections behind the stumps. His game was simple-see the ball, hit the ball. Never fazed with burden of having a sound technique, he wore his heart on his sleeve. A team man to the core, he bailed Australia out of many precarious situations. Gilli is a fierce competitor but never in his career has he ever crossed the line. Opponents not only feared him, they revered and respected him. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the game is his dauntless spirit and an uncharacteristic simplicity.

It would not be improper to stand up and salute this champion cricketer who not only entertained but also mesmerized and enchanted spectators, Aussie or non Aussie alike. There are many who play the game but only a few like him who uphold its spirit. Above anything else Gilli will be known for his unparalleled sportsman spirit. He never waited for the umpire to rule him out , he always, without fail, walked if he was out. Unlike some of his fellow Aussies he is a glittering star that shone amongst the heap to battered, rotten and decaying sportsmanship. Adam Gilchrist will be missed and while i pen down these lines i can not contain myself for affection.

They say cricket is a gentlemen's game, if at all there has been a gentleman who has played the game, allow me to say it is Adam Gilchrist's game.