Hayden has revealed Gilchrist’s surprise off-field antics in the West Indies…
Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden has revealed details of Adam Gilchrist’s massive bender prior to the 2007 World Cup in the Carribean.
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Gilchrist arrived late into the Australia camp following the birth of his son Archie, and in a column for News Corp, Hayden wrote that the wicketkeeper’s best way of handling jet lag was to hit the drinks.
“He arrived in true form, sticking to his mantra of drowning the bastard (jet lag),” Hayden wrote.
“He obviously wanted to wet the baby’s head and was a bit excited about getting back among the boys and being at a World Cup.
“But one night turned into two and two into three or four — he was on a bit of a bender.”
Hayden revealed that Gilchrist’s exploits had landed him in hot water with coach John Buchanan and captain Ricky Ponting.
“It got to the point where our coach John Buchanan and skipper Ricky Ponting had to call him and say, ‘You’re the vice-captain of our country, you arrived late and you’re out drinking – you’ve got to start to put in here,'” he continued.
“Gilly’s response has become folklore in Australian cricket circles.
“‘Yep, you’re right,’ he said. ‘Just give me one more night.'”
Australia went on to win the World Cup after defeating Sri Lanka in the final, with Gilchrist notching up a brilliant 149 off just 104 balls.
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