When India didn't celebrate a wicket

The Indian team gave a deserving farewell to one of the greatest ever wicket-keeper in the game. Gautam Sheth tries to relive one of the best entertainers of world cricket, Adam Gilchrist's 4 over stay at the crease.

The Adelaide Oval was at its boisterous best in the 161st over. Ishant Sharma was bowling his heart out. The lanky 6 foot something paceman had already bowled 32 overs before this. In spite of this marathon effort like a horse there were no signs of tiring.

Ishant bowls the 161st over and the first ball rose outside the off-stump. Centurion Michael Clarke fished away from his body. Surprised with the bounce in the delivery Clarke edged one to the slip cordon where Laxman at second slip made a difficult catch look easy. Clarke is on his way back to the pavilion. The crowd applauded Pup's effort.

But the third century of the Australian innings in a fraction of a minute became a thing of the past.

The spectators were fervently waiting for the next man to come in. From the pavilion appeared Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist for the one last time at the Adelaide Oval.

Not even a double or triple centurion would have got the ovation which Gilly got while entering the picturesque Oval.

The most heartening sight was to see all the Indian players gathered at the centre applauding Gilchrist who in all probability came out to bat for the last time.

In his trademark style the 36-year-old keeper on his way to the middle warmed himself up. Advertising boards on the boundary lines said 'Thx Gilly'. Nothing could be more heartening for a batsman.

But personally I thought there was a lot of nervous energy popping in Gilly's game at that moment. He left a few balls, defended some and finally opened his account for (probably) the last time with a ram rod straight drive.

Still he seemed to be a bit nervous as if he had entered the international arena for the first time. He then played his trademark cut shot to third man for a couple of runs.

Perhaps, Gilly decided to make the 164th over as one to be committed to memory for long for everyone on the field. The third ball of the Pathan (164th)over was hit back straight. On its way the 5 and ½ ounced red cherry which was destined to reach the long straight boundary of the ground almost looked like a canon hurled.

Billy Bowden the standing umpire was down in a flash of second otherwise with Gilly this would have been his last game. But in Jonty Rhodes style Bowden also got up in no time. Animated as ever, Bowden gave Gilly a wry smile after signaling a boundary.

The last ball of the 164th over made cricketing fraternity poorer. Pathan bowled a full pitch delivery to which the stumper drove straight in the hands of Sehwag, waiting at mid off.

Gilchrist, 'the walker' started the long walk back to the pavilion for may be the last time after batting. The spirit of the game was held high when not a single Indian player rejoicing the wicket but all put their hands together for the man walking back.

Sehwag fell on the ground while taking the catch but he didn't bother to get up and chose to sit down crossing his legs applauding from the bottom of his heart Gilly's contribution to the game.

20-year-old Ishant who was stationed at the boundary line came back running to congratulate Pathan. But in the way he didn't forget going up to the swashbuckling stumper giving him a farewell tap.

No one could forget the contribution of Gilchrist to the game of cricket in all forms. Even after he got out in the 164th over, the next couple of overs had the huge electronic scoreboard thanking Gilchrist for his entertainment in all these years.

In contemporary cricket, I think there is no stumper who can match the standards set by him. His contribution and achievements I feel would remain a benchmark for one and all in this game. To end I would say that Gilchrist has given a new definition to the term all rounder. All rounders' are not only those who can bowl and bat, but also keep and bat.