Gilchrist is congratulated by team-mate Damien Martyn

He went into the second Test in Kandy under pressure after only four runs in three innings in the series.

Gilchrist's return to form came after he agreed to move up to number three because Ricky Ponting was injured.

"I thought I should do it to try and limit the disruption to the middle order," he commented.

Gilchrist opens the batting for Australia's one-day side, but normally occupies the number seven spot for Tests.

It is a policy which has paid off handsomely over the years and he went into the game with a Test average of 53.7 despite his double failure in the first Test victory at Galle.

"It's really pleasing to make an impact in this series and pleasing to get some Test runs after I've beena bit dry," he said.

"It's a little confidence thing. When you miss out a few times, no matter who you are, you are searching for those runs."

"I suppose I've about doubled my [series] aggregate in one hit."

Ponting is ready to bat down the order for his team

He added: " It was nice to get in and get past that initial 10 balls or 10 minutes and give myself the best chance of batting.

"I felt much clearer in my head today and I looked to play as straight as possible."

Ponting is expected to bat during Australia's second innings despite twisting his back as he tried to retrive the ball as it crossed an adverising hoarding.

"We have been treating him every half an hour to keep his back moving and make sure it does not stiffen up," said physio Alex Kountouri.

Kandy has been an unlucky ground for Australians over the years.

In 1999, Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie collided while fielding, leaving Waugh with a broken nose and Gillespie with a leg fracture which put him out of Test cricket for a year.