Top 10 Australian middle-order batsmen of all time

#6 Adam Gilchrist

The former Australian legend is possibly the only wicket-keeper whose batting skills in Test cricket has completely overshadowed his considerable achievements as a wicket-keeper. Adam Gilchrist was one of the big reasons why Australia became such a frightening side to face in Test cricket.

Even if teams got through their batting order, there was Gilchrist, waiting to come in after the fall of the 5th wicket and unleash absolute mayhem. A strike rate of 81.95 in 92 Tests is a testament to the sort of damage that he caused. Gilchrist was not necessarily a mindless hitter but a cold, calculated operator and also had the technique to play the long game when it was needed.

For instance, in a Test match against Pakistan at Hobart, Gilchrist (149 not out) came in to bat at 126 for 5 and then along with Justin Langer, helped Australia chase down 369 against a bowling attack comprising of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar and Saqlain Mushtaq. He made 4869 runs at an average of 47.63 and that fearsome strike rate made him one of the most dangerous batsmen in Test cricket. He scored 15 centuries and 23 half-centuries in his stellar career.