Steve Waugh isn't in it for the money, according to Adam Gilchrist.

As Waugh ponders his dilemma - should I stay or should I go - Test vice-captain Gilchrist has rejected a claim by chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns that Australian players are becoming reluctant to retire because of their massive pay packets.

"Players are tending to play longer these days," Hohns was quoted as saying on the weekend.

"Maybe it is the amount of money they are earning."

Waugh's annual income from all sources tops the million-dollar mark. Ditto for Gilchrist and the most marketable of the others.

But Gilchrist is adamant that continuing to collect cash has nothing to do with 37-year-old Waugh's desperation to retain his Test job and return to the Australian one-day side for the World Cup.

"I'm positive, knowing Steve well, that money has never been a driving force with him," said Gilchrist.

"It's great to have financial security, everyone has family and commitments, but Steve has done so much for Australia in cricket and Australia in general without finances being his motivating factor.

"Look, there are definitely financial incentives there now but I think players - hopefully - understand and realise that there is a time to retire and I'm sure all players do eventually.

"If not, I guess they run the risk of being told by the selectors there's no further part in the team to play."

Meanwhile, the groin strain that sidelined Gilchrist from Australia's 142-run limited overs mauling of Sri Lanka on Sunday night has cleared for the Boxing Day Test.

England's twin one-day wins over Sri Lanka since the humiliation of the last Ashes drubbing might even make the tourists more serious opposition at the MCG, warned Gilchrist.

"Winning is an infectious thing - that happy feeling around a change room," he said.

"The wins have been one-day cricket and against Sri Lanka, but you could see by their emotion they were keen to win.

"They've got a bit of momentum now and we'll be wary of that."

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