Gilchrist's decision shocks national selectors

ADELAIDE: Adam Gilchrist's "courageous" decision to bid adieu to the international cricket has left the national selectors "shocked".
    
Andrew Hilditch, Chairman of the national selection Panel said on Sunday that they did not expect Gilchrist to go this way.
    
"Adam told me on Friday evening and it was a shock," Hilditch was quoted as saying in an 'Age' report.
    
"It wasn't something we were expecting. We have spent a fair bit of time over the last year or so talking about where he is at and how much longer he was going to play and Adam had been very good at keeping us informed about what he was thinking," he said.
    
Hilditch insisted that the retiring wicket-keeper had discussed his career with them from time to time but the decision to retire was entirely Gilchrist's.
    
"It seemed like the right time to Adam and I thought it was a very courageous decision to go out when he is still playing so well. Part of Adam's decision was that he really didn't want to hang on for as long as he could," he said.
    
Hilditch said it would be a difficult task for them to find out a perfect replacement of Gilchrist.
    
"It's some time before we have to pick our next Test side and that will be pretty daunting, just like it was when we had to pick a side without people like McGrath and Warne," he said.
    
"It does give us plenty of time before the 2009 Ashes for a new keeper to become part of the side."
    
Hilditch also said that Gilchrist had re-defined the stumper's role with his batting skills.
    
"Nobody is going to do it like he did it, but I think his inspiration has led to a lot of depth around the country. Most state sides now have a keeper who is also a very good batsman," he said.
    
Brad Haddin is expected to inherit the wicket-keeping duties of the World Champion side.