PERTH, Australia (AFP)
Dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist is set to become the first Australian cricketer to earn US$1 million (£700,000) a year, a report said Saturday. Gilchrist, 30, will shortly sign the most lucrative bat sponsorship deal in Australian history, The West Australian reported.

The deal, with sports goods company Puma, alone will be worth US$150,000 (£100,000) a year, and with cricket payments, other sponsorships and endorsements, his annual earnings will top US$2 million (£1,400,000), the daily said.

Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, who makes more than US$10 million a year, is reportedly the only other cricketer in the world to make more.

Australian captain Steve Waugh, legspinner Shane Warne and fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee reportedly earn just over US$500,000 a year each.

According to the report, Gilchrist offers the most attractive package to the corporate world. His extraordinary ability to change the course of a game with his thunderous batting, his wholesome image and outstanding communications skills appeal to people across the spectrum of age and standing.

Gilchrist's manager, Stephen Atkinson, said: "The sponsorships are great, but Adam is mindful that cricket is where it starts and that, if it is not his priority, the other things could become redundant. He is a senior member of the highest profile national team in Australia, but his qualities as a person and his reliability are what make him stand out."

For his part, Gilchrist said: "Cricket is the absolute priority for me and my number one job is to score runs and take catches. If I am not focused on my cricket, it is not beneficial to anyone - me, the team or the sponsors. But sponsporships can open up various avenues after cricket, and I hope to establish long-term partnerships with my sponsors that will continue after I have finished playing."

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