Keepers as able as anyone to captain Test team: Gilchrist
The demands of wicket-keeping should not preclude those behind the stumps from being considered as Test skippers, Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist said Wednesday.
The outstanding wicket-keeper/batsman is to lead the Prime Minister's XI against the West Indies in Canberra on Thursday, although he will not don the gloves for the game.
However, as the man expected to take over from the injured Steve Waugh as stand-in Australia captain for the third Adelaide Test starting on December 15, he said the busy task ahead of him was one a wicket-keeper could handle.
"I'm sure it's possible," he said. "It's a big task for anyone to captain the Test team. It's a terrific job and there's a terrific amount of responsibility to go with it.
"Keepers traditionally haven't been tried. I'd like to think that whether you're a keeper or a bowler or batsman or an all-rounder, you're never going to be pigeon-holed because of past traditions.
"I just think that if people think you're the right man for the job, give you a go and see what happens."
Gilchrist said he did not see the PM match as a captaincy trial for the third Test.
"I've been asked to captain the team in this one-off game so I'll go out and enjoy it and gain a bit from the experience," he said.
"This was selected long before Steve Waugh was injured.
"I'm looking forward to it as a great opportunity to learn about captaincy and have a bit of fun," he added.
Gilchrist, who will captain a side largely untried on the international scene, said his players were in form.
"We've got a form side -- a lot of wickets amongst the bowlers and runs amongst the batsmen.
"For Australian cricket's sake we'll be trying to win to make sure we keep them down and us up."
The West Indies players did not have an official practice session Wednesday, having arrived early morning after an overnight flight from Perth.
The tourists are not expected to name a team until the morning of the match.
Prime Minister John Howard is to officially open the new Sir Donald Bradman Stand at the ground during lunch.
The PM's XI:
Adam Gilchrist (captain), Sean Clingeleffer, Anthony McQuire, Mark Higgs, Brad Hodge, Mathew Inness, Martin Love, Jimmy Maher, Daniel Marsh, Don Nash, Brett Swain, Cade Brown (12th man).
Mail Cricket Editor
