Adam Gilchrist picks Michael Bevan as the most challenging bowler he kept to in his career

Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, who has kept to the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee in his glittering international career, has rated Michael Bevan as the most challenging bowler to pick out of the hand. [caption id=“attachment_178604” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Adam Gilchrist. Getty Images[/caption] Bevan, a one-day specialist, was famously known for his performances with the bat and for his ability to time even the most difficult run chases swiftly. However, the former left-handed batsman also engaged in part time left-arm spin when asked by the captain to bowl. “Bevo’s (Micheal Bevan) not renowned for his bowling. Obviously his batting, he was so masterful in that, but he did contribute with some handy wickets at times. The left-arm leggie, fast action, is very difficult to pick out of the hand. That’s why it was so challenging,” Gilchrist said on  The Unplayable Podcast. “And Bevo will concede himself he didn’t have the greatest control so whilst he could land it right on a sixpence he could also throw them far and wide too, so it was always a challenge,” he added. Gilchrist and Bevan played 175 one-day internationals (ODI) together, with the latter called on to bowl in 45 of those matches, picking 20 wickets at 54.50 runs apiece. Interestingly, the 47-year-old also holds the record of claiming the best match figures by an Australian left-arm spinner in the history of Test cricket, finishing with the figures of 10 for 113 against the West Indies at the Adelaide Oval in January 1997. The wrist-spinner – who appeared in a total of 18 Tests and 232 ODIs – notched up 36 wickets in the 50-over format besides being a vital cog of Australia’s World Cup victories in 1999 and 2003.