Gilchrist fastest ton for Aussies

Elmo Rodrigopulle reporting from Australia

CRICKET: Adam Gilchrist ended the Victoria Bitter series and the summer in a blaze of glory by blasting a 67-ball century to pluck the heart out of the Sri Lankans and lead the Australians to a cakewalk victory by 9 wickets in the final game of the best of three finals at a fully packed GABBA, here on Tuesday under lights.

The Aussies who lost the first game in Adelaide, came from behind with fantastic efforts in Sydney and Brisbane to pocket the trophy.

When the Lankans made 266, with superb knocks of 59 from Kumar Sangakkara, 86 from Mahela Jayawardena and 76 from Russel Arnold, it looked as though the Aussies would struggle to get that score.

Gilchrist was slow off the blocks. But once Sanath Jayasuriya spilled him at 23, he grabbed that vital miss to plunder the bowling with some out of his world strokes. His 13 fours raced to the boundary like shots from a gun and the 4 sixes he hit were rocket propelled.

His timing and shot selections were a lesson in batsmanship. What a treat he provided. It was an act that would not be seen for a long, long time. His critics here were calling for his sacking after his poor early form. In making his third three figure score in the series he silenced his critics.

He mauled the fastest Australian one-day century and left his critics grasping for superlatives. It was the fastest ton by an Australian in 36 years of one-day internationals. He beat his own record by 6 balls which he established during the ICC Super Series here last year. He has the record of smashing the three fastest centuries by Australians.

When he reached his century, he could not hold back his emotions and joy, wildly waving his bat to his teammates and the packed house who gave him a deafening applause for the thrills he provided them.

When he was dismissed, the whole house stood to him and cheered him all the way back and even after he had reached the inside of the pavilion. What an entertaining innings it was.

Leave alone the Lankan bowlers, no other bowler in world cricket could have stopped Gilchrist when in this mood.

While Gilchrist made sweet batting music, he had his partner Simon Katich watching him in stunned silence and wonderment. Once Gilchrist left, Katich who played a fine supporting role reached his maiden one-day international century.

The Aussies with this triumph ended the summer successfully beating the West Indies and South Africa in Test series and winning the one-day triangular competition.

As for the Lankans who arrived here after thrashings in India and New Zealand, it was near and yet so far. Tagged the underdogs in what was going to be a two-horse race between Australia and South Africa, the Lankans cocked a snook at their detractors by rallying beautifully and finishing strongly.

This is the second time that the Lankans entered the VB series finals. The first was under 'captain cool' Arjuna Ranatunga in 1995/'96 and now under his relative Marvan Atapattu.

The Lankans have the potential to strongly challenge for the World Cup in the Caribbean next year. There are a few grey areas and those in charge, must along with coach Tom Moody, Manager Michael Tissera and captain Marvan Atapattu sit down and do a bit of hard talking and have the best men out.

For Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Russel Arnold, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya a late arrival it was a good tour batting wise. Dilshan in addition excelled as a fielder, while in the bowling it was Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitheran and leg spinner Malinga Bandara.

For Muralitheran it was a tour he would want to forget, because of the heckling he got at every venue. In addition the Aussie batsmen Ponting, Symondes, Clarke and Hussey rubbing salt to his wounds by bashing him for 99 runs in 10 overs in Sydney. Muralitheran had never before suffered such humiliation. He must take it' on the bump' as the saying goes, because this is how the game goes and concentrate on the battles ahead.

Bomb threats on Aussies

During the second finals between Australia and Sri Lanka in front of a sellout crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground, it is alleged that bomb threats were made at the Aussie cricketers.

Several threatening phone calls were made to the Aussie players, particularly to skipper Ricky Ponting and the New South Wales police are investigating.

The last time threats were made against the Aussies was when a man was charged for sending threatening e-mails during the Ashes tour to England last year.

Aussies to South Africa

The Australian National Selection Panel (NSP) led by Chairman Trevor Hohns, picked a well balanced squad of 14 players for the tour of South Africa for a 20/20 game and five one-day internationals. A three-Test series would be played between the two countries later on.

The South Africans who lost the Test series to Australia and were knocked out of the VB triangular finals would be determined to stuff the kangaroos in their own backyard.

Reports have it that Jacques Kallis, Makaya Ntini and Andrew Nell who were unavailable for the tri-series due to injury have all recovered and rarin' to go.

The Aussies have dropped the much spoken of medium pacer Brett Dorey and all-rounder James Hopes and brought in Mitchell Johnson, a 24-year old medium pacer and all-rounder Shane Watson who has recovered from a shoulder injury.

The Aussies will miss the steadying influence of Glen McGrath who has made himself unavailable to be by his ailing wife Jane who is fighting serious cancer.

Chairman of the NSP Trevor Hohns said: "We have picked what we consider a well-balanced squad. There is a good blend of youth and experience in the team for what promises to be a challenging series.

"Shane Watson returns to the side following his shoulder injury, and we're keen for him to build on his impressive performances during the Johnnie Walker Super Series. "Mitchell Johnson also gets another opportunity in Australian colours. He bowls with good pace and we're keen to see what he has to offer at international level," said Hohns.

"James Hopes and Brett Dorey have been left out of the tour party, however, we are keen for them to take back to state cricket what they have learnt during their time with the Australian squad and press for future selection," said Hohns.

The 14-man squad - Ricky Ponting(capt), Adam Gilchrist (VC), Nathan Bracken, Michael Clarke, Bradd Hogg, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Brett Lee, Micael Lewis, Damien Martyn, Shane Watson, Stuart Clark and Adrew Symonds. Brisbane, Wednesday