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'It's a text message I'll never delete': Gilchrist reveals details of 'last contact' with Warne 8 hours before his death
As the world of cricket and entire Australia continue to grieve at the loss of one of the beloved individuals, Shane Warne, former Australia wicketkeeper batter Adam Gilchrist has revealed that he had last contacted his former teammate barely eight hours before his untimely passing.
As the world of cricket and entire Australia continue to grieve at the loss of one of the beloved individuals Shane Warne, former Australia wicketkeeper batter Adam Gilchrist has revealed that he had last contacted his former teammate barely eight hours before his untimely passing. Australia lost two of its greatest cricketing heroes in Rodney Marsh and Warne within 24 hours of the other, both due to heart attacks, and it was all the more heartbreaking for Gilchrist, who had grown up idolising Marsh and played most of his cricket with Warne. (Also Read: 'That didn't happen overnight in Thailand' - Former Cricket Australia doctor speaks on Shane Warne's death)
"I spoke to Shane about a week ago. I received a really nice text from him. Probably, I am assuming this was eight hours before he passed away. He was just sending me a message. He was one of the few guys that consistently called me church. It’s a nickname only those in the inner circle knew about – about being confused by a young English fan and they called me 'Eric Gilchurch'. He always called me 'Churchy' and it always felt like a term of endearment from a friend," Gilchrist told ABC News.
"He messaged me saying, 'Church, wonderful tribute to Rod Marsh'. Which I was very honoured to do a voice over. We were not even close to coming to terms with the passing of my childhood hero in Rod Marsh and another legend of the cricket world. Warnie just messaged me and said 'well done on that sir'. So that was the last contact. It's a text message I will never delete."
The terms 'Bowling Shane' was invented by Gilchrist, who as keeper, witnessed the magic of Warne up close and personal. Known for his dynamic and aggressive batting and terrific keeping skills, Gilchrist said all of that is secondary, and that keeping wicket to Warne will remain the 'highlight' of his career.
"It was the highlight of my cricketing career, simple as that. Forget the runs and everything, to keep wicket to Shane Warne… Ian Healy and I pretty much exclusively had the best seat in the house to watch a maestro at work. It all started at the top of his bowling mark. In fact, it actually started when he took his hat off. And the crowd knew that he was about to come on to bowl. Give the hat to the umpire, get to the top of the mark," Gilchrist added.
"And then the theatrics. It was almost like a film director… a Spielberg type persons there. Just pulling the strings and setting everything and building it up… to the moment, when he invariably got his prey. It was an amazing angle and I would say that a very close and personal part of my journey was that keeper-bowler relationship with Shane."
