The main architect of the highest successful run chase in a limited-overs international at the Sydney Cricket Ground was Adam Gilchrist, a left-handed batsman best known for replacing the revered Ian Healy in Australia's one-day team. But he is a gifted cricketer whose name will burst from the billboards in its own right once Healy lays the gloves to rest.

Actually, Gilchrist did not keep wicket especially well yesterday but he batted so marvellously that no-one gave a hoot. In figures this was a highly impressive innings, 131 from 118 balls with 10 fours and two enormous sixes, but in the flesh it was spectacular.

Australia clearly had to crack on immediately if they were to manage 260 against Sri Lanka's crafty cricketers and two consecutive maiden overs was not an auspicious start. No matter, for they had 66 at the end of the 10th over and 98, three more than Sri Lanka, from the first 15.

Gilchrist reached 50 in just 37 balls. He played most strokes in the book with power, balance and timing and he outshone Mark Waugh, would you believe, who was skipping nicely enough himself. Gilchrist is certain to be in England for the World Cup and he will open the batting; get a seat to see him if you can - he is no pinch-hitting slogger, he is a class act.

With plenty of pace in a pitch the Sri Lankan bowlers are looking ordinary and this will concern Ranatunga, who had no answer to the onslaught. He juggled his four spinners sympathetically but even the mighty Muttiah Muralitharan was under the cosh and the captain had no big guns to turn to when he desperately needed a wicket.

Yesterday's result meant seven one-day defeats in a row for Sri Lanka and they must respond quickly otherwise the aura that lingers as world champions will diminish. They are missing the injured Aravinda de Silva, who gives the middle of the innings its punch, and they seem uncertain of their best batting order fancy Hashan Tillekeratne batting before Ranatunga, fancy Roshan Mahanama coming in at No 8.

Thankfully they have Sanath Jayasuriya back in form. He was at his best while scoring 65 from 62 balls. All the signature shots were there: square drives, thrashes either side of third man and clips over midwicket. There was a dream of a late cut too, guided between wicketkeeper and fourth slip, which indicated his returning confidence after an average 1998.

Hashan Tillekeratne had a good night, dropping anchor at first and exploding later in his knock, and Ranatunga played his part before the third umpire wrongly ruled him run out. The umpiring on the field during this Australian summer has been good, the umpiring off it has not, raising questions about the role of technology in the future of umpiring.

Australia's captain will be a very proud man today. Shane Warne bowled well, set bold fields even when the ball was disappearing to all parts, came up with a gem of a move to get rid of the threatening Marvan Attapattu and, all in all, looked pretty fresh for a chap who has had a rough month. He must be licking his lips about meeting England in Melbourne tomorrow in front of 70,000 of his home-town Victorians. Aren't we all?