Gilchrist announces retirement

Adelaid: Australia's vice captain Adam Gilchrist announced his retirement from cricket during the fourth test against India on Saturday.

Gilchrist said he was quitting test cricket after the current match ends on Monday and one-day international cricket at the end of the forthcoming one-day 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."

"I am now ready and excited to move into the next phase of my life," he said.

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

"Adam has unquestionably been Australia's finest ever wicketkeeper-batsman. He has been a great adornment to the game of cricket and his statistics with bat and gloves speak for themselves," O'Connor said.

"His influence on the game has gone well beyond statistics both in terms of the dignity with which he has played the game and his respect for the traditions and the spirit of cricket," the chairman said.