Gilchrist Blitz Steals Series for Aussies

Adam Gilchrist hit a whirlwind century as Australia easily clinched the VB Series with a nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Brisbane.

Gilchrist, who smashed 122 from just 91 balls, was ably assisted by fellow opener Simon Katich (107no) as Australia came back to complete a 2-1 series success after losing the opening contest in Adelaide.

Ricky Ponting’s men earlier restricted Sri Lanka to 266 for nine from their 50 overs - Mahela Jayawardene top-scoring with 86.

Gilchrist was at his brilliant best but was given an almighty let-off when Sanath Jayasuriya dropped a simple catch in the deep when he was on just 20 - Sri Lanka’s former captain juggling the ball twice before it hit the turf.

It was to prove a critical moment because thereafter the left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman was flawless, using his feet beautifully to maneuver the Sri Lanka attack to all parts of the Gabba.

Katich played a perfect support role, the pair putting on 196 for the first wicket in just 32.2 overs.

By the time Gilchrist departed, bowled after charging down the wicket once too often to Muttiah Muralitharan, the game was already in the bag.

Captain Ricky Ponting joined Katich and continued the Aussie assault.

Katich’s century, made from 136 balls, came up with a firm push down the ground - a shot followed by some exuberant celebrations from a player who came into the series with his place under threat. Ponting finished unbeaten on 28 as Australia strolled to victory with 4.3 overs to spare.

Earlier, a strong display from Sri Lanka’s middle order enabled the tourists to set a decent total.

Jayawardene was the star, but Kumar Sangakkara and Russel Arnold also made half-centuries.

The trio lacked support, though, with Chaminda Vaas the only other Sri Lankan batsman to get into double figures.

Australia put the visitors in early trouble when Sanath Jayasuriya skied a ball from Nathan Bracken to be caught by Andrew Symonds. Marvan Atapattu soon followed, Symonds this time taking a much more difficult one-handed catch - again off Bracken.

Sangakkara and Jayawardene put on 100 runs together, before Michael Clarke claimed the former’s wicket lbw for 59. Sri Lankan moved on to 204 by the time Jayawardene fell to a Katich catch - and a late clatter of wickets accompanied the surge of runs in the last 10 overs.

Bracken led the Australian attack with figures of three for 44.