Gilchrist names hardest he kept to

Champion Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist had the pleasure of wicketkeeping to the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee in his stellar international career, but he says the most challenging bowler he ever kept to was Michael Bevan.

Bevan, a one-day wizard with the bat capable of timing even the most daunting run chase to perfection, bowled part-time left-arm leg-spin when called upon by his skipper.

Unlike his meticulous approach to a 50-over target, Bevan’s bowling was at times erratic, but that’s what made him such a dangerous, wicket-taking option.

Gilchrist and Bevan played 175 ODIs together and in 45 matches the pair combined as ‘keeper and bowler, and that was enough for the gloveman to crown ‘Bevo’ the hardest he kept to.

"Bevo’s not renowned for his bowling," Gilchrist told The Unplayable Podcast.

"Obviously his batting, he was so masterful in that, but he did contribute with some handy wickets at times.

"The left-arm leggie, fast action, very difficult to pick out of the hand. That’s why it was so challenging.

"And Bevo will concede himself he didn’t have the greatest control so whilst he could land it right on a sixpence he could also throw them far and wide too, so it was always a challenge."

Listen to the latest episode of The Unplayable Podcast above where Gilchrist names his fiercest rival, favourite stroke and most underrated opponent!

While Bevan will undoubtedly be remembered for his incredible record pursuing a total in one-day international cricket, his efforts with the ball, in both Tests and ODIs should not be ignored.

He holds the record for the best match figures by an Australian left-arm wrist-spinner in Test history after capturing 10-113 against the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval in January, 1997.

The 47-year-old, who played 18 Tests and 232 ODIs, collected 36 wickets in the 50-over format and was a vital part of Australia’s World Cup wins in 1999 and 2003.

But let’s face it, when people hear the name Michael Bevan, they think of a second-innings mastermind and ‘that’ four from the final ball against the Windies at the SCG.