Australia to go for the kill, eyes set on record 17th win

Perth, Jan 14 (UNI) Australia vice-captain Adam Gilchrist today asserted that the team will strive for it's record 17th successive win and the players are eagerly looking forward to it.

Ricky Ponting's side equalled the record of 16 consecutive Test victories set by Steve Waugh's Australia. Gilchrist, who was a part of that side, had previously said that he thought the record would never be broken.

Speaking after the end of his team's practice session at the WACA he said, ''We're desperately keen to get the 17th, we also want to win the series. We don't want a drawn one even though we've retained the trophy.'' The wicket-keeper is not in the best of form against India but said he was happy to have represented his country in 94 straight Tests and remembered his former team-mate Justin Langer's words.

''Langer always said the greatest characteristic of a true champion is longevity because they've been there long enough to show their skills in a variety of conditions. It's a big thrill, a big honour,'' he said.

However, Gilchrist said that issues of the Sydney Test should be put to rest and his team has moved forward from it.

''We are all big boys and we can all get on with it. They (The Indian team) let off their steam after the game and we let off our steam and now let's just get on with the next game,'' he added.

''Everyone is sensible enough to have understood the issues.

Obviously it was discussed at yesterday's and today's meetings but not at any great length.'' ''Everyone had the opportunity if they'd something to offload or talk about but no-one really did. Ricky came in and as usual showed great leadership, spoke about his week and putting that behind and moving on now. It was put to bed very quickly,''the 36-year-old said.

The left-hander further added that he was upset about the fact that the media did not highlight their performance in the second Test but were more keen on criticising.

''It's a bit frustrating and disappointing to see how little has been written about the quality of cricket that was on offer in the Test. It was an amazing match. Any Test that goes to the last session to the last hour and then to last over is quite a Test match.'' UNI XC RAR AB HS1604