Ponting won't urge teammates to do a 'Gilchrist'
Wednesday, March 19 2003 13:39 Hrs (IST)

Port Elizabeth: Australian captain Ricky Ponting said on Tuesday he will not encourage his batsmen to emulate Adam Gilchrist, who "walked" in the World Cup semi- final against Sri Lanka.

"The whole dressing room was surprised," Ponting said after Australia won the rain- hit match by 48 runs to storm into Sunday's final against either India or Kenya.

"I think Gilly (Gilchrist) didn't see Rudi's (umpire Rudi Koertzen's) not out. He knew he got some bat on it and set off.

"I won't be encouraging any of our batsmen to do it. It's up to each player to decide what to do."

Gilchrist had made 22 when he tried to sweep Aravinda de Silva's second ball. The ball looped off his pad and was caught by wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara.

The Sri Lankans appealed but umpire Rudi Koertzen turned them down, only for Gilchrist to head back to the dressing room.

De Silva, who confirmed his retirement from international cricket after the match, hailed Gilchrist as a "gentleman". "It was a good gesture on his part," de Silva said and bracketed Gilchrist with West Indian Brian Lara.

"It is very rare to see batsmen walking off. There are still some gentlemen in the game."

Copyright AFP 2001

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