Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist, one of many best wicket-keeper batters the sport has ever seen, lately revealed his picks for the highest three wicket-keeper batters in cricket historical past. Gilchrist, who revolutionized the position of wicket-keeper along with his explosive batting and impeccable glove work, named one Australian, one Indian and a Sri Lankan as his all-time favorites.
Adam Gilchrist’s idol
Rodney Marsh, the Australian wicket-keeping icon, holds a particular place in Gilchrist’s coronary heart. Recalling the affect Marsh had on him as a younger cricketer, Gilchrist stated, “Rodney Marsh, he was my idol. That’s who I needed to be.”
Marsh, recognized for his gritty performances behind the stumps and his aggressive batting decrease down the order, performed a big position in shaping the long run era of Australian wicket-keepers. His partnership with legendary bowler Dennis Lillee is etched in cricket historical past as some of the profitable wicketkeeper-bowler duos.
For Gilchrist, Marsh was not only a cricketer to emulate however a logo of toughness and dedication. Marsh’s affect on Australian cricket was profound, and his legacy as a wicket-keeper batter continues to encourage generations.
The epitome of calmness
Gilchrist additionally named MS Dhoni, the previous Indian captain, as one in every of his best wicket-keeper batters. Identified for his calm demeanor and unflappable management, Dhoni made an enduring influence on world cricket.
“MS Dhoni, I like his coolness. He did it in his means, all the time calm,” Gilchrist remarked, highlighting Dhoni’s skill to remain composed underneath strain.
Notably, Dhoni’s legacy goes past simply his abilities with the bat and gloves; his skill to guide India to a number of ICC trophies, together with the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup, and 2013 Champions Trophy, has solidified his standing as some of the profitable captains in cricket historical past. Whether or not it was ending video games along with his trademark helicopter shot or guiding younger gamers along with his cool-headed strategy, Dhoni’s influence on cricket is unparalleled.
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The fashionable performer
The third wicket-keeper batter on Gilchrist’s record is Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara. Praising Sangakkara’s magnificence and flexibility, Gilly stated: “He was so stylish in every part he did, batting excessive up the order and along with his maintaining abilities.”
Sangakkara, who not solely excelled as a wicket-keeper but additionally as one of many most interesting top-order batters in cricket, redefined the position of a wicket-keeper batter. His skill to attain massive runs whereas sustaining his tasks behind the stumps made him an important asset for Sri Lanka. With over 14,000 runs in Take a look at cricket and almost 13,000 runs in ODIs, Sangakkara’s information converse for themselves. His swish stroke play, coupled along with his sharp reflexes behind the stumps, made him some of the full cricketers of his period.
Gilchrist’s tackle Australia vs India
Along with sharing his high three wicket-keeper batters, Gilchrist additionally weighed in on the continued debate concerning the energy of the Australian and Indian cricket groups. Gilchrist acknowledged Australia’s dominance at dwelling however emphasised that India has confirmed their skill to win abroad, making the rivalry between the 2 cricketing powerhouses much more intense.
“Onus is on Australia to show they’re the dominant power at dwelling. India know tips on how to go away and win abroad. Naturally, I’m going to say Australia, hope they get there. Nevertheless it’s too near name. It will likely be an in depth tussle,” Gilchrist added.
With each groups having robust lineups and up to date success, Gilchrist believes that the competition between Australia and India is simply too near predict, and cricket followers can count on an exciting sequence when the 2 groups face off.