Test cricket is absolute masterpiece: Adam Gilchrist

Former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist on Wednesday refused to read too much into India`s decision to not include any spinner in the India `A` team for the warm-up match against the touring England, saying the hosts might be having legitimate reason for the move.

Bangalore: Former Australia cricketer Adam Gilchrist today refused to read too much into India`s decision to not include any spinner in the India `A` team for the warm-up match against the touring England, saying the hosts might be having legitimate reason for the move.

Stating that it was dangerous to make an assessment on the selection policies of other teams, Gilchrist said, "Who knows there might be a perfectly legitimate reason for India to look at medium and fast bowlers. "England I am sure wouldn`t be surprised if they turn up in the first Test having to play on a turner with two or three spinners in the Indian squad. I think that`s how it should be. That is what you expect when you come to India. I don`t think one should be too cautious about it. They will get to face their spinners in the nets, which would be of some help. "Same would be for India when they visit England where they wouldn`t be surprised to face three or four fast bowlers in the host team waiting eagerly to swing the ball exploiting the juice in the pitch," he added. Reacting to ICC`s decision to approve day/night Test matches, Gilchrist said he would prefer the "traditional way of cricket". "In my personal perspective, I love the traditional way of cricket and haven`t heard too many players saying different in this regard," he told reporters here. A couple of days ago, the International Cricket Council gave its seal of approval to the day/night Test matches while leaving the member Boards to decide on the type and colour of the ball to be used. Having the experience of playing D/N first-class cricket in Australia a few years ago, Gilchrist said the conditions does not remain the same as the game progresses. "I don`t think the conditions remain the same as the game progresses beyond early afternoon. It is bit unknown whether to pick red ball under lights. It seems like a different proposition." Gilchrist said Test cricket was an absolute masterpiece and wouldn`t fade even if more number of players favour One-day Internationals or Twenty20s. Meanwhile, speaking on the intense battle among top eight cricketing nations for the coveted number-one spot in the ODI championship table by April 1 cut-off date, Gilchrist said there is no clear favourite as only 17 rating points separate the top six sides. "There is no absolute standout. Although I do think South Africa has proved around the globe by producing better results consistently," he said. However, Gilchrist said when he played the game, Australia did not concentrate on number one ranking, which helped them keep their hunger and desire up for so long. "I assume the present Australian side too is keeping their hunger and desire up by doing what my side did when I played the game," he said. Asked whether he would pick a wicketkeeper with good batting skills or pure keeping skills, Gilchrist said, "I would prefer a wicketkeeper who is going to hang on to the chances than having a wicketkeeper-batsman dropping catches. Obviously they will be developing their batting anyway. "However, modern cricket demands that each player should have two strings of abilities to improve team`s chances. Quickies and spinners having capabilities to bat and hit the ball out of the ground is a bonus to a side." PTI