He bid adieu to Test cricket in style with Australia's 5-0 whitewash in the 2006-2007 Ashes series, his final wicket being the 563rd, from his final ball, making him the most successful Test fast bowler. World Cup 2007 will be his last international ODI outing. To say the least, he will want a memorable World Cup.

Known for targetting renowned batsmen, namely Lara, Tendulkar and Atherton, both on and off the field, his bowling has precision and an accurate line and length that few can rival, making him one of the best fast-medium pace bowlers of all time. Along with Shane Warne, he formed the deadly duo of the Australian attack.

He claimed his 500th Test wicket at Lord's during the 2005 Ashes series. He holds the World Cup record for best bowling figures with 7 for 15 against Namibia in 2003 and his 8 for 24 against Pakistan is the second best Test figure by an Australian. Opposition teams know better than to take comfort in his recent slump of form. With 355 wickets from 239 ODIs, he would be saving his best for the big World Cup.

Matches		Balls	Runs	Wickets	BBI	BBM	Average	Econ
Tests	124	29248	12186	563	8/24	10/27	21.64	2.49
ODIs	239	12485	8034	355	7/15	7/15	22.63	3.86

Test Debut :Australia v New Zealand at Perth - November 12-16, 1993
ODI Debut :Australia v South Africa at Melbourne - December 9, 1993

Australia's vice-captain and perhaps the finest wicket-keeper batsman, Adam Gilchrist will be expected to be more than just the 'walker' (a nickname he earned after he decided to walk despite being given not out in the 2003 World Cup semifinal, he has continued to 'walk' on many occasions later as well).

This destructive left-handed batsman has many a time turned the match with his aggressive and dominant style. It's quick runs on the scoreboard when he is at the crease.

The match winning 149 against Pakistan in the 1999 Test, his 204 not out against South Africa in the Johannesburg Test, his 102 not out from 57 balls during the 2006 third Ashes Test (the second fastest Test century), his 172 are all proof of that. He holds the record for the best ODI wicket keeper with a total of 422 dismissals.

Gilchrist also stepped in for the injured Ricky Ponting, as captain to lead Australia to a 2-1 series win in India in 2004, making his side the first Aussie team to do so since 1969.

Matches		Innings	Not Outs	Runs	Highest	Average	100	50
Tests	90	129	19	5353	204*	48.66	17	24
ODIs	257	250	9	8585	172	35.62	14	48

Test Debut : Australia v Pakistan at Brisbane - November 5-9, 1999
ODI Debut : Australia v South Africa at Faridabad - October 25, 1996