Gilchrist was 36, the same age as Haddin, when he retired after 96 Tests. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsman of all time.

While Haddin has always faced the tough challenge of measuring up to his predecessor with the bat, Gilchrist said Haddin had given Australia's next keeper a new level to live up to with the gloves.

''The standard he's set in this series, I can't imagine how it can get any better,'' Gilchrist said.

''I don't think anyone could say there's been better across Australian keeping history. In regards to this series, he's been flawless with the gloves and obviously had a huge impact with the bat and he's been a huge part of the turn-around in this team.

''I've never been into comparing eras and players from different times, but his keeping in this series has been close to perfection.''

Gilchrist recently revealed he almost retired after making a duck in the WACA Ground Ashes Test of 2006-07.

Chastised by his wife, he decided to play on, scoring the second-fastest Test century in history of 57-balls in his next innings, eventually retiring in 2008.

But after watching Haddin's performance in Perth, Gilchrist said there was no end in sight for the veteran of 52 Tests. Haddin is also averaging 65 with the bat and, more importantly, scoring runs when Australia needs them most.

''Perth was just a clinic of covering all bases,'' Gilchrist said.

''Everyone will naturally think of the spectacular, diving one-hander in front of first slip that he picked up Joe Root with. But the pure wicketkeepers will appreciate more the under-edge in the second innings off Nathan Lyon's bowling to get [Ben] Stokes.

''You've got to be in the perfect position to accept an edge like that, not only be there but have nice relaxed hands. His glovework has been brilliant, the batting's a bonus.''

Gilchrist spoke on Friday to Matt Wade, the Victorian keeper who replaced Haddin while he had time off to support his daughter, Mia, during her battle with cancer.

Many predicted Haddin would never win his position back.

''It was unfortunate circumstances with which he left the team, but it's absolutely brilliant the way he's come back,'' Gilchrist said.

''That time away from the game seems to have refreshed his vigour and desire to draw every little bit out of himself that's possible.

''I had a good chat with Matt Wade, it reminded me of the situation I was in years ago [waiting behind Test keeper Ian Healy].

''I'd had a little taste of international cricket in the form of one-day cricket and that was enough to give me a strong desire to keep working to get into that Test team.

''Wadey's had a bit of Test cricket already, he understands Hadds is in there doing the job, there's no animosity.''

Having already wrapped up the Ashes 3-0, Gilchrist said he expected coach Darren Lehmann to push his team to be ruthless.

As well as the 3-0 defeat to England earlier this year, the Australians will be driven by the humiliation of their last Ashes performance at the MCG on Boxing Day 2010.

The Aussies were bundled out before tea for 98.

''I couldn't see their attitude changing one bit,'' Gilchrist said. ''This is a momentum swing that hasn't been seen before between two teams so quickly. I think they'll have every desire to keep going.

''Lehmann would be keen to keep that foot to the floor and powering ahead.''