Gilchrist realises Aussie unpopularity but takes it as compliment

Sydney, Nov 19 (UNI) Adam Gilchrist realises how unpopular the Aussies are outside their country and the swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman says he has seen fans willing to root for any team but the World Champions during overseas tours and major multi-national tournaments.

''Everywhere we go, home fans want to see their team beat us and if their team is out of it they want to see anyone else but Australia win,'' Gilchrist told the 'Herald Sun'.

Gilchrist said the desire to see the Aussies lose has risen because of their last summer's Ashes debacle which broke the invincible aura surrounding them.

''People have taken more of an interest in that Ashes loss. But that's a compliment in itself,'' he said.

The Aussie vice-captain said the memories of the loss are still fresh in his mind and he regretted not being at his best during the series.

''My worst feeling of the Ashes was day one at Old Trafford, because I take great pride in my keeping and I had a bad day, a really bad day,'' Gilchrist said.

''I felt like it impacted greatly on the outcome of that game,'' he added, recalling the dat he dropped two catches, including a crucial one of England skipper Michael Vaughan, who went on to score a hundred.

''It was disappointing on the final day of the series to concede the Ashes. It was there that the challenge was laid down and it's great we are almost there again now,'' he said.

Gilchrist he is not particularly happy with his current form either and was looking forward to score some runs in the upcoming Ashes to regain his touch.

''As a general rule in the last 12-18 months, my results haven't been there and that's been a little bit frustrating. I'm working towards it and I'm sure I can deliver what the team needs,'' he said.

''Two Tests ago I got one of the best hundreds I've ever scored, which will always live in an unnoticed, unopened packet because it was against Bangladesh in Bangladesh. History won't show how difficult that game was,'' he added.

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