ADELAIDE, Jan 28 Dropping what should have been a a simple catch off India's Vangipurappu Laxman was the moment Adam Gilchrist realised it was time to end his international career.“It was somewhere between the ball hitting my gloves and the ball hitting the ground,” he told a news conference after his final Test appearance against India on Monday.

“I missed a few chances in this series and it was bugging me and I couldn't understand why. I was working hard, but it was just that moment, that catch - I watched a replay and I just moved really slow.”

Shortly afterwards Gilchrist realised he had not being moving as well as he used to.

“I just realised then that I didn't have the absolute desperation that you need to continue to maintain your standards.

“The contributing factors to that are a new phase of life, new family members cropping up every few years .... and just generally having a lot more on my mind.”

Gilchrist spoke to his wife Mel that same night and announced his retirement the following day. He said he felt a sense of relief when he made up his mind and was looking forward to spending more time with his children.

However, his playing days are not over.

The 36-year-old left-hander will play in the upcoming One-day International series with India and Sri Lanka and has signed a lucrative deal to play Twenty20 in the Indian Premier League.

“I've been a bit of a reluctant starter with 20/20,” he said. “I was a bit of a traditionalist and wasn't so sure about this short version of the game but over time and having played more of it and just seeing the way it works I've realised it's an important part of the cricket structure now.”

Gilchrist recognised he would be remembered more for his batting than his wicket-keeping, even though he broke the world record for test dismissals in his final appearance.

“I've always felt like I had to defend my wicket-keeping a little bit and maybe that's because I wasn't technically perfect or as graceful as the amazing wicket-keepers we've had prior to me,” he said.

Gilchrist said his proudest moments were captaining Australia to their breakthrough series win in India in 2004 and scoring 149 in last year's World Cup final in Barbados.

He enjoyed many personal and team highs along the way, but said winning the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as captain in India was right at the top.

Gilchrist was thrust into the role when Ricky Ponting was injured during a match in England before the India tour. He went on to lead Australia in the first three of the four Tests, winning the first two and then drawing the third to claim the series.It was Australia's first series win in India since 1969-70 and followed a devastating near miss in the memorable 2000-01 series.

“I just remember from the moment Ricky Ponting got hit on the thumb at Edgbaston in the Champions Trophy,” he said.

“The moment that happened I realised in all likelihood I'd be taking the reins to captain that tour, which had such an amazing build up.

“From that moment on I started to get nervous and had a few self doubts and considered not taking it on.

“To captain that team for the bulk of the series and be part of the leadership group that constructed that group was the highest point and greatest achievement of my career personally.”

Gilchrist also said his spectacular 149 in last year's World Cup final against Sri Lanka stood out, and not just for the quality of his cricket.

“To have played that knock in the World Cup final, on the biggest stage possible at the right time... it's very rare everything goes to plan all at once. That was really pleasing.”

He described last year's World Cup in the West Indies as “one of the most difficult parts of my career” as he had to fly out just five days after his wife had given birth to their third child.

He added “We all know how long that tournament was. I found it some very lonely, difficult times to get through. To pick myself was up was very special.”—Agencies