Adam Gilchrist announces retirement

By Julian Linden

ADELAIDE (Reuters) - Australia vice-captain Adam Gilchrist stunned the cricketing world on Saturday when he announced he was retiring from all forms of the game.

Gilchrist said he was quitting test cricket after the current match against India ends at Adelaide Oval on Monday and one-day internationals at the end of the forthcoming triangular series against India and Sri Lanka.

"It is with great pride and happiness that I make the decision to retire from test and one-day cricket," Gilchrist said in a statement.

"I have come to this decision after much thought and discussion with those 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."

Gilchrist's shock announcement came just one day after he broke the world record for the most test dismissals by a wicketkeeper and declared he had no plans of retiring.

He is the fifth senior Australian player to retire in the past 14 months, following Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn.

Cricket Australia Chairman Creagh O'Connor paid tribute to Gilchrist, describing him as one of the greatest players of all time.