Matthew Hayden admitted Australia will deeply miss Adam Gilchrist when he retires in March.
Left-hander privileged to have played with wicketkeeper-batsman
Matthew Hayden admitted Australia will deeply miss Adam Gilchrist when the wicketkeeper-batsman retires in March.
The upcoming triangular one-day series against India and Sri Lanka will be the 36-year-old's swansong in international cricket.
Gilchrist made the sudden announcement after the third day of the fourth Test against India in Adelaide and just 24 hours after becoming the record holder for most Test dismissals by a wicketkeeper.
However, it is his skills as a batsman that the Australians will miss the most, whether it be from number seven in the Test team or at the top of the order in limited overs action.
Hayden, who has seen Gilchrist's abilities at close hand having been his long-time opening partner in one-day cricket, heralded the left-hander as a "remarkable Australian" who could change a game.
Massive news
"He will be deeply, deeply missed," Hayden said. "It's massive news, and surprising news.
"Greatness is what we aspire to be in the Australian cricket team and he has filled everything that he has ever been asked to do by all his captains.
"He has been a remarkable Australian and held the Baggy Green in his hand with great pride and great passion, with great discipline and a great work ethic.
"He's a fantastic leader and has the ability to be able to change the game. I think that is what made Adam one of the greatest players to ever play the game.
"From my point of view I fell incredibly privileged to have played with Adam for as long as I have."
