Aussie wicketkeeper Gilchrist announces retirement

Gilchrist will end his Test career after the current clash with India in Adelaide and his one-day international career following next month's triangular series against India and Sri Lanka.

Gilchrist, 36, became the record holder for most Test dismissals by a wicketkeeper when he claimed his 414th victim yesterday to move past South Africa's Mark Boucher.

After indicating earlier this week that he wanted to continue playing for Australia, Gilchrist shocked the cricket world with his sudden revelation following day three of the fourth Test against India.

The 96-Test veteran, who has scored 17 Test centuries, said in a statement: "It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from Test and one-day cricket.

"I've come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those most important to me.

"My family and I have been fortunate to have had an amazing journey full of rich experiences throughout my career and are sincerely grateful to all who have helped make this stage of our lives so fulfilling."

"I am now ready and excited to move into the next phase of my life which will, of paramount importance include much more time with (wife) Mel, (children) Harrison, Annie and Archie."

Gilchrist, who hit a brilliant 149 off 104 balls against Sri Lanka to guide Australia to a third successive World Cup last year, went on to thank everyone who has helped him throughout his illustrious career.

His statement continued: "Thank you to Cricket Australia, the Western Australian Cricket Association and Cricket NSW for providing me the opportunity to play first-class cricket and for the support over the many years.

"Also thank you to all my team-mates and support staff who have given me the most enjoyable, fun career anyone could hope for and to the many officials and opponents I have come across. It has been terrific to play against you and more importantly get to know you."

Cricket Australia chairman Creagh O'Connor has paid tribute to Gilchrist, who is also a three-time World Cup winner who scored at least 50 in each of the three finals he played in the premier tournament and compiled 15 centuries.

"Adam has unquestionably been Australia's finest ever wicketkeeper batsman," O'Connor said. "He has been a great adornment to the game of cricket and his statistics with bat and gloves speak for themselves.

"His influence on the game has gone well beyond statistics both in terms of the dignity with which he has played the game and his respect for the traditions and the spirit of cricket."

Gilchrist, who surpassed Ian Healy's Australian record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper during the first Test against India in Melbourne, will not speak publicly on his retirement until after the fourth Test is completed.

With Gilchrist set to step aside, New South Wales wicketkeeper Brad Haddin is a near certainty to take over the role in both the Test and one-day sides, having been understudy for several years.