Cricketers wish former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist on his birthday
There are few cricketers who can claim to have revolutionised the game of cricket as Adam Gilchrist had. From the inception of the game, wicketkeepers have existed and were expected to do nothing more than keep well behind the stumps but since Gilchrist made his international debut in 1996, he changed all of that.
As he turns 45, it is incredible to note the impact that the Australian wicketkeeper has had on the game. From breaking out as an explosive middle-order batsman to being a counter-attacker in Tests and one of the best limited-overs openers to have played the game, Gilchrist has done it all.
In an international career that spanned 12 years, the 45-year-old scored over 15,000 runs across all formats at a rapid pace. In 96 Tests, he scored 5,570 at an average of 47.60 but what was more impressive as his contribution to the change of mindset that the keepers are only there to keep.
His counter-attacking approach to the game had every other country looking to replicate his exploits, largely without much success. Although it has nearly been a decade since his retirement from international cricket, the way in which he evoked fear in the minds of opposing bowlers still remains fresh in the memory of many.
Here is how the cricket fraternity wished the explosive former Australian wicketkeeper as he turned 45.
Sachin Tendulkar:
One of the best men to have ever stood behind a wicket, @gilly381! A very Happy Birthday to you mate! I hope you catch all the good times! pic.twitter.com/i5g6d9HX0T
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) November 14, 2016
Herschelle Gibbs:
A year younger today kepke @gilly381 have a ripper partner!!
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) November 14, 2016
Parthiv Patel:
Many happy returns of the day to the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman ever..an idol to lot of us keepers..@gilly381 #idol#inspiration#topguy
— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) November 14, 2016
Gautam Gambhir:
Happy Birthday to one of the toughest competitors on the pitch and nicest guys off it - @gilly381! pic.twitter.com/PY2RiIAkTa
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) November 14, 2016
Virender Sehwag:
Today is a day to play
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 14, 2016
Gilli Danda as a tribute to the incredible @gilly381 .
Happy Birthday Adam Gilchrist. pic.twitter.com/bY85OTuHQl
Aakash Chopra:
Happy birthday @gilly381 have a good one, mate
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) November 14, 2016
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee:
Happy birthday legend @gilly381
— Brett Lee (@BrettLee_58) November 14, 2016