"I haven't had too much time to reflect on what I did," Gilchrist said after his exploits on day two of the first Test against South Africa.

"It's obviously a fantastic personal milestone, but the partnership was just as memorable.

"Damien (Martyn) and I were the beneficiaries of great work at the top of the order that allowed us to play our natural games."

"It's pretty outrageous to see your name alongside Ian Botham," added Gilchrist, who became aware of his achievement when it was flashed up on the stadium's big screen.

Gilchrist reached his first ever double century in Tests from just 213 balls, beating Botham's mark by seven deliveries.

Together with fellow Western Australian Martyn, he put on a stand worth 317 for the sixth wicket, 29 short of the world record set by Jack Fingleton and Don Bradman for Australia against England in Melbourne in 1936/37.

"We were aware of the record," said Martyn.

"It was shown on the screen when we had put on about 300. Maybe that's why I got out."

Gilchrist narrowly missed winning a 12.58kg gold bar when a hit for six cleared a Go for Gold advertising hoarding on the roof of the midwicket grandstand.