To make it three in a row is unbelievable: Gilchrist

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 29 (UNI) Adam Gilchrist, whose blazing 104-ball 149 propelled Australia to historic third successive cricket World Cup title win, says the thrill of victory has yet to sink in though experiencing ''unbelievable feeling.'' Gilchrist's power-packed innings knocked Sri Lanka out as he blasted jaw dropping eight sixes and 13 boundaries on way to the highest individual score in any World Cup final.

''It was really pleasing to do it on an important day. I've been getting a lot of starts but hadn't converted.

''It's terrific. The guys have worked hard,'' said Gilchrist, whose eight sixes equalled a World Cup record.

He said the two most important Australians to thank for the team's successful hat-trick of titles were retiring fast bowler Glenn McGrath, named player-of-the-tournament for his record 26 wickets, and coach John Buchanan.

''Much will be said about Glenn and he deserves all of it, but also John Buchanan. He has been amazing for Australian World Cup cricket, so well done mate,'' he added.

''The great thing about our team, and batting with Hayden is our partnership. We've been quite successful getting our team off to a good start. Matty was superb. He had gone on to get big scores three or four times in the tournament, and we had the batting strength to capitalise on those starts.

''It's a high standard this team sets and when you don't reach those standards it's easy to doubt yourself, so I want to thank the guys for continuing to encourage me.'' How was this World Cup win different from those in 1999 (in England) and 2003 (in South Africa)? Gilchrist replied, ''I would call it the never-ending one, I think. But it's been really satisfying. It's been a long campaign and there were question marks over the way we finished our summer at home.'' ''But it was just great fun and I want to thank all the supporters, the Sri Lanka supporters as well, and all the Aussie suporters who have been brilliant.'' UNI