Adam Gilchrist's preparations for his next Test match began in a Hobart supermarket today. But not far enough away from the Bellerive Oval for him to lose sight of the city's place among his fondest cricketing memories.

It was two years ago to the week that the star wicketkeeper-batsman joined with Justin Langer to hit Australia to a famous victory over Pakistan, fashioning a remarkable 238-run partnership that piloted the country to the third-highest among successful fourth innings run chases in Test history.

It was only his second-ever Test. Until now, it was also the only five-day match he had ever played at Bellerive.

Quite an act to follow, then, as he shapes up for the Second Orange Test against New Zealand that commences here on Thursday.

"It's a great feeling to be back, and to be revisiting a lot of those memories," said Gilchrist this morning.

"Every time I think of the Bellerive Oval, the first thing that comes to mind is that particular game. Not only on a personal note but also, more importantly, on a team note because it was a real breakthrough Test win for us.

"It established a belief in all of us that we could win, and from any situation.

"That's what Steve Waugh has always tried to instill in us. And, from the confidence we gained there, that kick-started the roll into the 16 (Test wins) in a row.

"It was a major part in the campaign that got us through to the world record (for consecutive Test wins)."

If that Test was a breakthrough win for Australia, then it needs to be identified as a pretty important part of Gilchrist's career too. In the midst of his record-breaking partnership with Langer, he registered his maiden Test century and embedded in the innings the sort of dominant and aggressive strokeplay that has subsequently made him one of the most exciting batsmen in the modern game.

Not to mention one of its most marketable too.

Gilchrist's supermarket appearance is one of a number he is making around the country as part of a new sponsorship and promotional deal with the Nestlé company and its famous MILO brand name.

It's all part of being a man in demand ahead of the crucial second match in the three-Test trans-Tasman battle.

"What was shown in Brisbane (in the First Test) is that, no matter what the situation, a cricket match can change very quickly.

"The New Zealanders have got some world class players, they've got a lot of belief, and they've got a desire to do well against us. Every team we come up against wants to do well.

"It would have been tough if we'd gone 1-down. We know we dominated that game for the majority of it. But they very nearly snuck a win off us, so we certainly won't be taking anything for granted."

Shopping carts today perhaps, but it's squarely back to upsetting a Test foe's applecart again in Hobart tomorrow.

© 2001 CricInfo Ltd