Herschelle Gibbs

Gibbs made his debut in South African provincial cricket as a 16-year-old and hit two centuries in New Zealand in 1998-99.

Date of Birth: 23 February 1974, Green Point, Cape Town  Test Debut: Against India at Calcutta in 1996/97  ODI Debut: Against Kenya at Nairobi in 1996/97  Bats: Right Hand Bat  Bowls: Leg Break, Right Arm Fast Medium

Gibbs made his debut in South African provincial cricket as a 16-year-old and hit two centuries in New Zealand in 1998-99, the best his 211 not out at Christchurch.

A naturally-gifted sportsman, Gibbs probably could have represented his country in football or rugby, but fortunately for South African cricket, he opted to show off his talents with a bat.

Since making his international debut, the right-hander has become one of the top batsmen in world cricket and a key member of the squad.

His natural attacking strokeplay and determination to get after bowlers makes him an unusual Test opening batsman and a one-day star.

Gibbs will be hoping to leave a mark on the tournament with his batting as opposed to the dropped catch that gave Australia a reprieve and marred his 2003 World Cup campaign.

The opener has notched up more than 4,500 runs in One-Day International cricket and is in double figures for the number of centuries he has made.

In October he hit a record-equalling three consecutive one-day centuries and was only denied a fourth when left stranded on 97 not out against Bangladesh.

Though sporting comparisons can be odious but in the field Gibbs comes close to his senior colleague, Jonty Rhodes.