Samaritan Gilly dons pink glove to raise awarness for breast cancer

Melbourne, Dec 19 (UNI) Keeping his good samaritan image intact wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has decided to don pink keeping gloves in the first Test against India at the MCG to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Gilchrist will be following the footsteps of his teammates Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds, who used pink batting grips in last year's Boxing Day Test against England. Gilchrist will wear pink gloves to raise awareness for the McGrath Foundation.

Gilchrist needed permission from Cricket Australia (CA) and the International Cricket Council to wear pink gloves, but was happy to help his friends' charity.

''Glenn has not only been a great teammate, but he and Jane have been close friends of mine and my wife, Mel, for many years now,'' he said.

''Jane's recovery from her illness has been truly inspirational and to be able to help in some small way for their foundation is a great privilege,'' Gilchrist was quoted as saying by 'The Adelaidenow'.

The foundation, established by Jane and Glenn McGrath, could also benefit handsomely during the match depending on Gilchrist's success behind the stumps.

Gilchrist's private sponsors have vowed to contribute 18,000 dollars to the charity for every dismissal he completes during the match.

The 36-year-old southpaw has completed 391 dismissals from his 92 Tests and is closing in on Ian Healy's record of 395 dismissals, which means the McGrath Foundation will reap 90,000 dollars if the incumbent overtakes his predecessor.

Symonds and Hayden benefitted from using pink grips during last year's Melbourne Test, as both passed 150 in a match-winning partnership of 279.

South Africa's Mark Boucher holds the world wicketkeeping record in Tests, and has 403 dismissals.

UNI