Adam Gilchrist

Gilchrist is quite simply one of the best one-day players of his generation.

Date of Birth: 14 November 1971, Bellingen  Test Debut: Against Pakistan at Brisbane in 1999/00  ODI Debut: Against South Africa at Faridabad in 1996/97  Bats: Left Hand Bat  Other: Wicket-keeper

Wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist, probably the most explosive batsman today, created a stir back home where he became known as the guy who was keeping Ian Healy out of the one-day side.

Gilchrist is quite simply one of the best one-day players of his generation. Often bowlers fear his presence at the crease.

Gilchrist has made his mark as an opening bat in the shorter version with his swashbuckling knocks. His batting often gives the team a perfect platform in the first 15 overs, fast scoring to take the pressure off those down the order.

Behind the stumps Gilchrist is a great tower of strength for the bowlers. Though he is a total acrobat, he appears to be more comfortable with fast bowlers than spinners.

Playing two specialist roles of a wicketkeeper and batsman, Gilchrist was additionally given the job of captaining his side for the India tour in October 2004. This came in the wake of Ricky Ponting injuring his finger during Champions Trophy. Though he led his side to victory in the Bangalore and Nagpur Tests, he has never been comfortable with the additional job and was more than happy to pass the baton back to Ponting for the Mumbai Test.

His Test average stands at 52.67 and he has an incredible strike rate of 82 runs per 100 balls and 94 in one-dayers!

Gilchrist's versatility in performing two specialist roles with such distinction gives Australia a vital edge over their opponents.

There are very few cricketers who are his equal in both the aspects either respect.