Sydney hysteria affected Australians in Perth: Gilchrist

MELBOURNE: Adam Gilchrist has admitted that the ghost of the ill-tempered Sydney Test did haunt the World Champion side when they took field for the third Test in Perth.

The Australians were not their usual aggressive self, which was noticeable by their not-so-convincing appealing in the match.

The wicket-keeper batsman said the massive public outcry after the Sydney game was uncalled for.
   
"No one told us to walk out there and settle down and become friendly on the field, (but) may be subconsciously guys were a bit more aware of all the hysteria that was created, which I will happily go on the record and say, I think was way over the top," Gilchrist was quoted as saying in 'The Age' on Thursday.

However, Gilchrist, echoing the views of pace spearhead Brett Lee, asserted that they should not be held responsible for the acrimony that marred the second Test.

"Did we start the race riots that happened in Cronulla? No. We won a game of cricket," he said.

Lee has said the nail-biting finish to the Test had added to the furore and the Australian side's behaviour had nothing to do with the acrimony.