Top 5 knocks played by Adam Gilchrist

Well known for his sportsmanship and humble nature, Adam Gilchrist is one of the fan favorites in cricket fraternity. Gilchrist represented Australia for 12 productive years during which he played 287 ODIs and accumulated 9619 runs at an average of 35.89. Besides being a destructive opener in ODIs, Gilchrist also played a special role at the number six position in Tests and scored 5570 runs from 96 matches at an impressive average of 47.60.

Extra Cover: 5 cricketers who are a throwback to past legends

With the legendary cricketer turning 46 tomorrow, let us take a look at five of the best knocks he played during his sensational career.

---

#5 102* against England at Perth (2006)

This knock is remembered by numerous fans since Gilchrist went berserk from ball one and came extremely close to securing the landmark of fastest Test Century which belonged to Sir Vivian Richards (56 deliveries) at that time. Now, the record is currently being held by Brendon McCullum (54 deliveries).

Gilchrist, who came into bat at the fall of 5th wicket, went on to score one of his most blistering knocks of 102 from just 59 deliveries. He hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes to destroy England's bowling attack in Perth. Eventually, Australia won the game by a huge margin of 206 runs before proceeding to inflict a 5-0 whitewash on the England team.

#4 144 against Sri Lanka at Kandy (2004)

Gilchrist used the sweep shot to perfection during his game-changing century

In sharp contrast to his usual number six position, Gilchrist came into bat at number three during the second innings of the second Test against Sri Lanka during 2004. Australia faced the wrath of Muttaih Muralidaran and Nuwan Zoya in the first innings. The entire team was wrapped up for a mere total of 120 runs.

Australia were trailing by a margin of 91 runs in the second innings on a difficult pitch when Gilchrist came to their rescue by scoring a whirlwind 144 runs off 185 deliveries on pitch favoring the spinners. His century helped the visitors set a daunting target of 351 for Sri Lanka.

The Aussies won the close contest by 27 runs and this game-changing knock testified Gilchrist's ability of playing under immense pressure.

#3 172 against Zimbabwe at Hobart (2004)

Gilchrist hammered his highest ODI score against Zimbabwe in Hobart

During his illustrious career, Gilchrist formed an intimidating opening combination with Matthew Hayden in the 50-over format. The left-hander accumulated 9619 runs in 287 ODIs with 16 centuries. His highest score in the format came against Zimbabwe at Hobart during the 2004 VB Series.

Gilchrist, who opened the innings with Hayden, put on a brilliant partnership of 140 runs. He went on to decimate the Zimbabwean bowling attack by plundering 172 runs in just 126 balls. He smashed three sixes and thirteen fours.

Australia cruised to a comfortable 148-run triumph. However, the highlight and show-stealer of the match was definitely Gilchrist's brilliant knock.

#2 204* against South Africa at Johannesburg (2002)

Gilchrist registered his highest Test score in the 2002 Johannesburg Test

Apart from being one of the most destructive openers in the history of ODIs, Gilchrist also made a massive difference to Australia's Test fortunes by occupying the crucial number six position in their batting lineup. In all, he played 96 Tests for Australia and amassed 5570 runs with 17 centuries at an impressive average of 47.60. His career best Test score came against a formidable South African bowling lineup at Johannesburg in 2002.

Australia who were dwindling at 293/5 in the first innings eventually went on to score 652/7 due to the massive partnership between Damien Martyn and Gilchrist. The wicket-keeper batsman played a significant role in this partnership where he scored a scintillating 204 not out from just 213 balls. He hit 19 boundaries and 8 sixes in that special innings. Australia went on to win the match by an extraordinary margin of 360 runs.

#1 149 against Sri Lanka at Barbados (2007)

Gilchrist's onslaught in the final propelled Australia to World Cup glory in 2007

Australia had an impressive run during the 2007 World Cup by winning all their matches in Super Six stages thanks to Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden's exceptional form at the top order. Gilchrist's most special century came against Sri Lanka during the final at Barbados.

Gilchrist, who was playing his third consecutive World Cup final, continued his remarkable record of scoring 50 runs or more in the title clash. This time around, he made it huge by scoring 149 runs off just 104 balls at an impressive strike rate of 143.26.

Even though this particular innings of Gilchrist was surrounded by controversy of him using a squash ball inside his gloves, all those allegations were put to rest in an official statement by ICC. This particular final will be remembered for the special knock of Gilchrist and Australia clinching their third consecutive World Cup title.