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'Good guy' Gilly seen as walking on thin ice

Source: The Sunday Mail - November 28, 2004

FORMER Australian quick Len Pascoe says Adam Gilchrist's decision to walk has backfired – and he implored the vice-captain to abandon the philosophy before he is tarnished irrevocably.

As the dust settles on the Gilchrist-Craig McMillan slanging match, Pascoe claims the gloveman's reputation is at risk of being sullied by a cricket world divided on the walking issue.

While several leading cricket identities The Sunday Mail contacted lauded Gilchrist's nobility, some warned against imposing his beliefs on others.

"Adam needs to think a lot more about what he's doing," Pascoe said.

"He should let the umpire do what he's selected for, which is to decide whether a bloke is out.

"I feel Adam would be best advised to just leave decisions to the umpire. He should look at the umpire's role in the game and understand the position he's putting them in.

"Adam risks sending out an 'I'm holier than thou' message, that he's a bigger sportsman that everyone else.

"Gilly is not that sort of person, but unfortunately he's made himself vulnerable by doing the right thing."

Gilchrist has been subjected to stinging criticism after his spat with McMillan, who refused to walk despite clearly edging a ball in the Gabba Test.

He was also slammed as having double standards after accepting a catch from Brendon McCullum – despite replays showing the rival gloveman had missed the ball. But insiders claim the barbs haven't hurt Gilchrist one iota.

They are also adamant the controversy has only served to galvanise his ethos on walking, which he first displayed in Australia's World Cup semi-final win over Sri Lanka in March last year.

Former Test batsman Neil Harvey believes the 33-year-old may now feel compelled to walk – just as Harvey did when he began the practice in the 1950s.

"I fear Adam's dug himself a hole now and he won't get out of it unless (Ricky) Ponting was to talk him out of walking," Harvey said.

"I know how he is feeling because I've done it myself. I was one of the first to walk in Australia, but once I did it I felt like I always had to walk.

"If he wants to walk, that's fine. But he did the wrong thing by abusing McMillan."

But Channel 9 commentator Tony Greig slammed detractors.

"I think the guy is ahead of his time," Greig said.

"All this stuff that has been said about Adam walking and his double standards is nonsense.

Gilchrist recognises the all-important issue – that of player honesty."

Former colleague Michael Slater said Gilchrist was treading a fine line between his actions and what he expects of others.

"It's admirable what Gilly is doing but he just can't expect everyone else to follow," Slater said.