Dating from 1985, when Adam Gilchrist was a junior player in Deniliquin in the Southern Riverina NSW, the heavily worn Indian manufactured rubber and leather gloves assisted Adam on his path to becoming the most dynamic wicket-keeper batsman in the history of the game.
From left to right - Adam Gilchrist’s first batting glove and first and second wicket-keeping gloves. Circa 1985.
Inside the gloves, the boy’s name can still be discerned in faded Texta.
“These gloves are the famous pair that inspired Adam to become a wicketkeeper rather than the world’s fastest bowler!” – Stan Gilchrist
The Gilchrist family has carefully stored the gloves over the years while Adam’s career blossomed and culminated with him being selected and excelling in the Test arena. No doubt he has worn hundreds of pairs over the intervening years but they all started with this pair.
In addition to the first pair, Adam has also provided the museum with his second pair of wicket-keeping gloves, a smaller pair made by Kookaburra bought when the initial pair were felt by him to be too big. He has also provided his first pair of child’s batting gloves, worn almost out from the collection by the enthusiastic youngster and those left-handed children in his father’s clinics.
Adam Gilchrist is one player selected as a Great of the Game. You can find out more about him on the Adam Gilchrist page.
Do you still have your first pair of batting or wicket-keeping gloves?
