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Gilchrist prepared for rough reception

Source: FOX Sports - February 22, 2006

Adam Gilchrist knows better than most Australians the hostility of South African crowds towards touring teams.

Gilchrist made an emotional 204 not out under enormous pressure in the first Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg four years ago.

The left hander wiped away tears during his innings as he conquered constant abuse and hurtful banners displayed by fans over unfounded rumours regarding his personal life.

"There was one day where I have got a little bit of a mixed memory," Gilchrist said today.

"But that day I happened to score 200 as well so that's always going to be a more fond memory than a bad one.

"I've moved on from that. That was just utter rubbish and that's well and truly been eliminated.

"That was a pretty emotional day with everything that was going around and being said or sent around.

"I won't anticipate anything more directly aimed at me than anyone else in the whole team.

"But it's not a motivating factor for us I don't think."

The Australia vice-captain returns to the Wanderers on Saturday morning (AEDT) for his side's tour-opening match, a Twenty20 international against South Africa.

South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has recently called on fans to give the Australians "a bit of stick", and Gilchrist for one knows exactly what to expect.

Gilchrist, 34, said most of Australia's limited-overs squad had toured South Africa previously, either with the national side or with Australia A and youth teams.

"But they can use their imagination to understand it's going to be a pretty hostile reception, and so it should be," he said.

"It affects some in different ways than what it does others.

"You've just got to (block it out). You can't get over-sensitive with it.

"Even in your own country, when we lost that first final in Adelaide (to Sri Lanka on February 10), we were getting absolutely hammered by our own crowd – serious abuse.

"So you've got to just put in perspective and trust what you are doing is right.

"That's where the collective team outfit pulls together to help each other out."

Gilchrist said the players had been heartened by the warm welcome they received at restaurants, shopping centres and on the streets of Johannesburg.

"The people are just so friendly and that just keeps it all in perspective," he said.

"You realise there is a fierce rivalry there but away from the game it's fine."

Gilchrist said Australia's come-from-behind 2-1 VB Series finals win over Sri Lanka had boosted the confidence of the team and himself personally.

Gilchrist blasted 122 in the decider, having scored less than 35 in six of his eight previous knocks in the tri-series.

"I suppose personally, too, it was a challenging summer," he said.

"The results weren't coming.

"Anywhere you've got to work even harder to achieve something and you achieve, it is more satisfying."

Gilchrist said he was enjoying his role as an elder statesman in the team, helping to counsel new faces on how to make the most of their opportunities with a view to next year's World Cup.

He was excited by the prospect of having the winter at home with his family in Perth after a gruelling Ashes tour followed by series against the World XI and West Indies, then playing South Africa home and away and a tour of Bangladesh in April.

The team's next engagement after Bangladesh is the ICC Champions Trophy in India in October, before the Ashes series in Australia starting in November.

"Everyone's just so excited about the prospect of having months on end at home," Gilchrist, who was refused permission by Cricket Australia to skip the Chappell-Hadlee series in New Zealand in December, said.

- GREG BUCKLE