Gilchrist - I was emotional
Adam Gilchrist admitted he had felt under pressure to perform in his farewell appearance at the WACA.
Last Updated: 16/02/08 12:06pm
Adam Gilchrist admitted he had felt under pressure to perform in his farewell appearance at the WACA.
The wicketkeeper-batsman scored 118 on his home ground to help Australia secure a crucial win in the Commonwealth Bank Series.
He hit nine fours and three sixes in his 132-ball innings that proved to be the cornerstone of the home side's total of 236 all out.
The full house inside the ground certainly enjoyed seeing the local favourite sign off in style, with Gilchrist just glad an 'emotional' day is over and done with.
Emotional
"I did feel it (the pressure) in the lead up to the game," he said. I am just glad this one is done with now.
"I knew it was going to be emotional at this ground. Today was a very nervous day. I was very emotional coming into the ground."
Gilchrist admitted that he had been keen to put his foot down earlier in his innings but was ordered by his captain, Ricky Ponting, to cool his natural attacking instincts.
"I was keen to have a bit more of a go at 75 or 80, but he (Ponting) sent out a message that I really had to go deep," the retiring veteran confessed.
"So many of the wickets have had have not been conducive to really free flowing, that's been pleasing - I stuck through it and built on a foundation."
Focused
The 36-year-old was also grateful for having some help at the other end, suggesting that his batting partners were more intent on him reaching three figures than he was.
Michael Clarke was with him for the majority of his innings, while Michael Hussey was in the middle to help Gilchrist celebrate reaching his 16th ODI ton.
"They were very focused on that 100, probably more so than me," he added.