Adam Gilchrist picks his all-time favourite wicketkeeper-batters

Former Australia cricketer, Adam Gilchrist, is synonymous with the term wicketkeeper-batter. The veteran was quick behind the stumps and added some chirpiness to it. One of the best wicketkeeper-batters, MS Dhoni has once termed Gilchrist as his favourite. But the 52-year-old has revealed that he idolised former Australia cricketer, Rodney Marsh.

Rodney, who also nicknamed as Iron Gloves for his skill behind the wicket, had created a world record by orchestrating 355 dismissals before retiring in 1984. Highlighting the impact of one of the most respected glovemen of cricket, Gilchrist also mentioned that he likes the calmness of Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara while naming his other two favourite wicketkeeper-batters. For the unversed, Gilchrist is the second in the list of most dismissals by a wicketkeeper with 905 strikes.

Also Read: Navdeep Saini urges aspiring pacers to focus on fitness

“Rodney Marsh, he was my idol. That’s who I wanted to be. MS Dhoni… I like his coolness. He did it his way, always calm. And Kumar Sangakkara. He was so classy in everything he did, batting high up the order and with his keeping skills,” said Gilchrist to TOI.

Dravid, Laxman just shut us out of the game: Gilchrist 

The Gabba Test in 2021 is touted as India’s biggest win against Australia in Tests but fewer recall the resilience the Indian team showcased in a coming-from-behind victory during the Kolkata Test of 2001. After enforcing follow-on by Australia, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman batted for almost seven hours and clinched the victory from the jaws of defeat. Recalling the game, Gilchrist quipped that the duo forced Australia out of the game. 

Also Read: Mitchell Starc on attempting to prolong his international career across formats

“Kolkata, 2001, when VVS (Laxman) and (Rahul) Dravid batted all day. They just shut us out of the game. When I reflect on it, you almost knew you were part of something special,” he added.