Gilly on verge of hitting a ton of sixes

Sydney, Dec 23 (UNI) Just three more of his destructive shots over the boundary and Adam Gilchrist will become the first batsman in the history of the game to have a hundred of sixes to his name.

Voted the 'Scariest Batsman in the World' by bowlers, Gilchrist has a great chance to complete this unique ton in the Boxing Day Test against England starting next week in Melbourne.

The swashbuckling wicket-keeper-bat almost scored the fastest hundred in Test cricket with his blazing 57-ball 102 against the English in the Perth Test, but missed breaking Viv Richards record by just one ball.

Gilchrist's six smashing hits during the innings, brought his tally of sixes to 97 in 88 Tests and if he adds three more to it, the big-hitting left-hander will have the unique distinction of having a ton of sixes.

The closest competition for Gilchrist comes from West Indian skipper Brian Lara, who has 88 from 131 Tests.

Rated as the best keeper by his contemparories, Gilchrist says he loves to bat the way he does and despite the fact that his aggression puts him in the risk of being out early on, he would never attempt to be defensive.

''One of the coaches dissected an innings that each of us played during a match and the feedback I got was that they were disappointed because I hit 24 with six fours. The impression I got was that they were disappointed I didn't rotate the strike and pick up ones and build an innings,'' Gilchrist was quoted by the 'Australian' as saying.

''I've never forgotten that. I didn't do it to spite them but I just thought 'I want to keep my aggressive side rather than restricting it'. It's worked many times, and many times it has brought my downfall,'' he added.

The destructive player has a great keeping record to show off and says he is proud to have balanced his batting and keeping well. He has 369 dismissals to his name making him the best among the current lot.

Asked about his favourite six so far, Gilchrist said he enjoyed hitting the 50th six of his career and Muttiah Muralitharan was at the receiving end of his assault.

''Murali was right on song but somehow I got through. I hadn't run down and hit him in the air because I didn't have the confidence so I swept him a lot,'' Gilchrist said.

''I didn't leave my crease because I thought he was going to spin one past me. Then finally I saw him throw up a big doosra. For the first time I was absolutely, 100 per cent sure it was a doosra so I ran down, took a great, big swing, and donged it straight back over his head, knowing that it was spinning into me. That's the most hard-fought, keenly contested battle I've had with anyone,'' he added as he recalled the moment.

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