Gilly is the man

Adam Gilchrist is the modern-day master blaster - even Viv Richards loves watching him bat. Add in his fine wicketkeeping skills and he is not just a valuable, multi-skilled contributor, but one of the game's greatest allrounders. Australia have flown to new levels with Gilchrist in the side and he continues to provide outstanding and breathtaking performances.

In the third Ashes Test in Perth he blasted a 57-ball century, narrowly missing Richards' world-record mark, and he has made useful contributions at the top of the one-day order throughout his career. In a team of champions, Gilchrist stands out as the side's crucial allrounder, which is a rare description for a gloveman.