Matthew Gilkes

Matthew Gilkes is an aggressive left-handed opening batsman and a tidy wicket-keeper for New South Wales and the Sydney Thunder. He burst onto the domestic scene with a spectacular Big Bash debut in BBL|08, scoring an attacking half-century while opening alongside veteran Shane Watson. Known for his clean hitting and willingness to take on the new ball, Gilkes has become a reliable fixture at the top of the order for the Thunder, recording several match-winning scores, including a career-best 93.

Having developed into a dual-format player, Gilkes made his Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup debuts shortly after his BBL success, aiming to be a long-term successor to the state's gloveman. His most successful domestic season came in the 2023-24 summer, where he played all ten matches for the NSW Shield side, showcasing his consistency with the bat and his improved glovework, where he claimed 30 catches. He remains a key prospect for the Thunder, combining sharp keeping skills with an explosive batting style that sets the pace early in the innings.