Dave Gilbert, a dark haired right-arm fast bowler gained a place on the Australian tour of England in 1985, when three players withdrew to take part in the rebel tour of South Africa. He had the ability to move the ball off the seam. He made his debut in Shield cricket in the 1983/4 season, following Len Pascoe's retirement. In the 8 matches that remained, he took 25 wickets, which included a best of 5 wickets for 56. In 1984/5 he helped his side win the Sheffield Shield, taking 30 wickets while opening the bowling with International cricketer, Imran Khan. Not known for his batting, he struck a winning boundary in the final while batting at number 11 !

He only played one Test match against England, it also turned out to be his debut. Playing in the last Test of the series in 1985 at the Oval, he took 1 for 96. Due to one thing and another, when he returned to Australia, he found himself one of Australia's 'available' strike bowlers and played well in 5 Tests against New Zealand and India taking 12 wickets. He played in a further three Test matches (against New Zealand and India on tour) and took 3 more Test wickets. He currently coaches Sussex County Cricket Club in England.