Press Release
Network Ten is proud to announce that the greatest wicket-keeper-batsmen in the history of the game, Adam Gilchrist AM, is joining TEN’s KFC T20 Big Bash League commentary team.
Adam will join former team mate Ricky Ponting in the commentary box for the KFC T20 Big Bash League, which will be broadcast live on TEN from December 2013.
Network Ten Chief Executive Officer, Hamish McLennan, said: “Adam is one of the greatest cricketers Australia has ever produced and we are very excited that he has agreed to join the team at TEN.
“The combination of Adam and Ricky – plus other high-profile commentators we will announce soon – is great news for cricket fans and will ensure the KFC T20 Big Bash League will be a major television event for all Australians.”
Adam Gilchrist said: “I am thrilled to be joining Network Ten as part of the new cricket coverage for the Big Bash League starting in December and extremely excited at the opportunity to form another partnership with my great mate Ricky Ponting.
“The success of the Big Bash League last season shows T20 cricket has a prominent place not only in the cricket calendar but also in the minds of cricket followers of all ages. I've no doubt Network Ten will continue to not only grow the game, but deliver fantastic perspective and entertainment for our viewers.”
Network Ten Head of Sport, David Barham, added: “I have enjoyed watching Adam’s remarkable career in cricket. We are thrilled to have Adam join our KFC T20 Big Bash League commentary team.”
Adam’s cricket career boasts myriad achievements and memorable record-breaking moments. The former left-handed batsman, record-breaking wicket-keeper and Australia’s Vice-Captain made his first-class debut in 1992 and played for Australia in 96 Test matches and over 270 One Day
Internationals. Adam holds the world record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper in One Day International cricket and the most by an Australian in Test cricket.
His strike rate is among the highest in the history of both One Day International and Test Cricket. Adam’s century against England at Perth in December 2006 is the second-fastest century in all Test cricket. He is the only player to have hit 100 sixes in Test cricket, and his 17 Test and 16 One Day International centuries are the most by a wicket-keeper. Adam also holds the unique record of scoring at least 50 runs in successive World Cup finals in 1999, 2003 and 2007, and is one of only three players to have won three titles.
Retiring from International cricket in March 2008, Adam went on to captain Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League and Middlesex in the English T20 cricket.