Aussie oldies to go?

Australian cricketers Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden who are all approaching their mid 30’s have played down suggestions that they will retire at the end of a successful Ashes campaign.

Previously, they have publicly hinted their swansong would probably be after the Ashes. However, as it gets closer to the time, none of the five are putting their hand up regarding their retirement plans.

Shane Warne has suggested that he could play for another five years. He told reporters at a team training camp in Queensland this week “I turn 37 in a couple of weeks, so I’m going to get asked (about retirement) all the time. I’ll be one of the guys who goes through that transition”.

36 year old Glenn McGrath was enthusiastic about the up coming Ashes series He said “I’m probably as, if not more, excited for this season than ever before”.

Adam Gilchrist is also having second thoughts about the timing of his retirement. He has publicly declared that he would retire next year after the World Cup, so that he could spend more time with his family. Gilchrist said “the way I feel at the moment, I’m really keen to get through this summer and be keen to go on after this summer”.

Justin Langer, whose career looked almost over after he was floored by a Ntini bouncer in his 100th Test, has regained his confidence and is enthusiastic about his cricket future. “Physically and mentally I feel really sharp. I just got 300, so of course I’m alright,” he said.