Gilchrist named as Australian vice-captain

Stephen Waugh has been re-appointed as Australian captain and Adam Gilchrist has been named as Australia's vice-captain, it was announced today.

The decisions were made during a meeting of the Australian Cricket Board's (ACB) Directors in Melbourne on Friday.

Gilchrist, 28, replaces Shane Warne, and his first matches in the role will be in Super Challenge 2000, the one-day international series against South Africa at Colonial Stadium, Melbourne on 16, 18 & 20 August.

The Western Warriors wicketkeeper-batsman was preferred in the role to both Warne and Tasmanian Tigers batsman Ricky Ponting.

ACB Chairman Denis Rogers said: "I congratulate Adam on his appointment and we are sure he will do an excellent job in the role, alongside Stephen Waugh as the Australian side attempts to continue its recent form in both Test and one-day cricket.

"The decision to change the vice-captain was taken as the Directors believe that leadership of the Australian team brings with it other responsibilities over and above those on the field.

"Shane has had an opportunity in a leadership position, but given a number of incidents that have occurred it was felt it was appropriate to look elsewhere for the vice-captain at this stage.

"The door is not closed on Shane for the future, but at this time it was felt a change was appropriate."

"Ricky was an excellent candidate for the role and he should not see his failure to obtain the position as a rejection. He is young enough to come again and he should regard it as a good sign that he was in the frame for this role."

Adam Gilchrist said: "I'm obviously delighted to accept this honor and am looking forward to working closely with Stephen Waugh.

"Although I've been named as vice-captain, the strength of the Australian side comes from the fact that we are a strong unit with everyone contributing to our success and I am sure that will remain the case."

Australian captain Stephen Waugh said: "Obviously I'm very disappointed for Shane as the vice-captaincy of the Australian team is a huge honor to have taken away.

"However, I'm very satisfied with his replacement Adam Gilchrist, who, I am sure, will do an excellent job.

"Adam has a good cricket brain, is a high-class player and has already shown he has good leadership skills."

Adam Gilchrist Factfile
Date of Birth: 14 November 1971
State: Western Warriors
Tests: Matches: 9, Runs: 629, Average: 57.18, HS 149*, 100s: 1, 50s: 5, Ct: 38, St: 3
One-Day Internationals: Matches: 95, Runs: 2968, Average: 33.34, HS: 154, 100s: 6, 50s: 14, Ct: 125, St: 19