Former Australian wicket-keeper batter Adam Gilchrist has picked Rodney Marsh, MS Dhoni, and Kumar Sangakkara as the top three wicket-keeper batters of all time. Marsh is regarded as Australia’s best wicket-keeper bat and Gilchrist said he was inspired by the former wicket-keeper.

Meanwhile, MS Dhoni is regarded as an all-time great and he was a livewire behind the stumps. Dhoni was a whole package as he was brilliant as a keeper, as a finisher, and also as a captain.

On the other hand, Kumar Sangakkara was known for his panache and savored great success in Test as well as ODI cricket.

“Rodney Marsh, he was my idol. That’s who I wanted to be. MS Dhoni… I like his coolness. He did it his way, always calm. And Kumar Sangakkara. He was so classy in everything he did, batting high up the order and with his keeping skills,” Gilchrist told The Times of India.

Gilchrist also picked the memorable 2001 Kolkata Test as the toughest day on the field. Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman batted for the whole day when India was asked to follow on by former Australian skipper Steve Waugh.

“Kolkata, 2001, when VVS (Laxman) and (Rahul) Dravid batted all day. They just shut us out of the game. When I reflect on it, you almost knew you were part of something special,” he said.

Meanwhile, Australia ended their long wait for a series win in India when Adam Gilchrist led the team to a 2-1 win in the absence of Ricky Ponting. Gilly, as he is famously known, said that series triumph was a fulfilling experience.

“Captaincy brings different pressures and expectations. Also, an element of excitement that you can have such an impact on the game. There are tough days, there are challenging days and then there are pleasing days. To win in India in 2004-05, that was a fulfilling experience, makes captaincy nice and fun,” he said.

India will take on Australia in the first Test, which will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.