Adam Gilchrist flays the England attack

The way he strikes the cricket ball is comparable to any of the great players, while his method seems so simple and uncomplicated.

The greatest of batsmen, Sir Donald Bradman, once said that when he batted he always looked to hit the next ball for four.

If it wasn't there to be hit for four, he would settle for a three, a two, a single or, as a last resort, he would just survive.

There is no doubt this is the same mentality adopted by our vice-captain. He is so positive in every move that he leaves the helpless bowler with very little margin for error.

After 'Gilly's' better than a run-a-ball century in Mumbai five months ago, it was arguable that a more destructive innings could ever be witnessed.

On Friday, my West Australian teammate played with equal contempt for the opposition bowlers.

He left everyone who was lucky enough to observe such brutality in awe of the man's talent.

My heart was pumping

His partner in crime happened to be his good mate from Perth, Damien Martyn.

When he squeezed a ball through gully for his maiden Test century, my heart was pumping as though the triumph was for my own brother.

Having played cricket together since we were young boys, I couldn't have been more delighted for a person as I was for 'Marto'.

He has worked so hard over the last few years to earn the right to excel like he did. A few years ago he was down and out and on the verge of fading away into obscurity.

By disciplining his mind and body, he is now securely entrenched in the Australian cricket set up.

Through hard work and belief he is writing his own pages in history, as he goes from strength to strength as a batsman and as a person.

Damien Martyn on his way to a maiden Test hundred

Part of the success of our game plan relies heavily on partnerships and pressure.

The Gilchrist/Martyn partnership, followed by the invaluable Gilchrist/McGrath partnership, has England under more pressure than they would have wished for leading into this series.

Nothing can ever be taken for granted in this game, and our bowlers will now be fired up to play their part in the final outcome of this first Test.

Sunday is a delicious opportunity to take a vital one-nil lead in this series.

Just like Damien Martyn with his discipline, and Adam Gilchrist with his work ethic and talent, we will draw on everything we have to grind England down from ball one.

From Edgbaston

JL