Adam Gilchrist pines for a hug

---

Now I'm hardly the blokiest guy going around. I don't know how to change a sparkplug and my handy-man skills extend barely beyond the use of an allan key. However, I did have a smile at Adam Gilchrist's complaining that he doesn't get appreciated enough, particularly at this quote:

"There's probably a common theme among all wicketkeepers that they possibly might like a little bit more of a pat on the back or a little hug now and again to say well done."

I don't know if he speaks for Rod Marsh or Ian Healy, craving a little hug after a good day behind the stumps. I imagine the site of an Australian cricketer hugging our wicketkeeper would be one of those "unsettling incidents" that freaked Allan Border out on past tours. The article also mentions another obscure cricket stat - Gilchrist surpassed Ian Healy in dismissals off Shane Warne (53 dismissals in 57 Tests, 17 less matches than Healy). Interesting factoid considering the recently selected Australian Dream Team didn't even require Gilchrist put on the gloves. Although now I think I understand why some of those grizzled old players back from the tough 70's (Lillee, Marsh and co) preferred an old campaigner like Ian Healy over a sensitive new age keeper like Gilchrist.

---

Posted by JC on Fri 2 Dec

12 comments

Oh Gawd, looks like the old slap on the bum and tongue in ear is out of favour now then. Excuse me, but isn't Gilly actually GETTING PAID a huge salary in conjunction with an all-expenses lifestyle as appreciation?

Oh yeah, ...it's an 'Allen' key actually sport....QED.

---

Posted by Virtualgaz on 2005-12-02 18:11:28

If Gilchrist opened the batting with Matt Hayden and they scored a few centuries together, I'm sure Gilly would get more than enough hugs. Oh and I must've been thinking 'Allan' as in 'Allan Border' :-)

---

Posted by JC on 2005-12-02 19:14:48

Gilli is surely made of different mould I should say. Sometime ago,hewe was miffed as batters don't walk when they know they are out. albeit he and lara are two exceptions in this age.And Gilli as a wicketkeeper has surely been less noticed coz first thing that comes to mind about him is his Batting prowess.In fact Gilchrist as set a norm in wicketkeeping world that any new kid who takes up game will first hone his batting skills to make sure that he makes cut into his national side. recently there have been lots of wicketkeepers who are in two minds about their career choice after being over looked in favor of batters who can "keep"

---

Posted by unsui on 2005-12-04 05:31:12

Post New Comment

You need to be logged in to post a comment. If you're new, register here. Existing users, login via the right margin.