COLOMBO - Australian vice-captain Adam Gilchrist feels he's close to a big score and would love to get one against cricket minnow Bangladesh here on Thursday.

Gilchrist has been hammering rapid-fire 20s, 30s and 40s over the past few weeks, including an excellent 44 off 30 balls against New Zealand on Sunday, which set up Australia's massive 164-run win.

But the man labelled "The Destroyer" by Champions Trophy promoters, feels he's only taking pot-shots at bowlers at the moment.

"I've been happy with the way I've been hitting them," Gilchrist told AAP.

"It was good to get to 40 again the other day but it's still disappointing to have got out.

"In the context of the game it provided a good start, it was a launching platform to get a massive total [7-296] ... but it would still be nice to get a big score."

Since making a half-century against Pakistan in the three-match winter series, Gilchrist has been averaging a shade over 20. Even though he's still scoring quickly, he hasn't been able to get a really big score - but that may come against the inexperienced Bangladesh outfit.

Australia has played the newest Test nation just once, in the 1999 World Cup.

In that match the Aussies needed a big win to boost their run rate in order to make sure of their place in the next round of the tournament.

After Bangladesh made 7-178, Australia rattled off the runs in 19.5 overs with Gilchrist making a stunning 63 off 39 balls to ensure Australia won easily.

Gilchrist also needs just one more catch behind the wicket to become the first keeper to record 200 catches in one-dayers.

© 2002 AAP

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.