Gilchrist looks beyond Ashes

Adam Gilchrist hopes Australia can regain the Ashes with a win at the WACA © Getty Images

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Adam Gilchrist has revealed Australia’s determination to win far more than just the Ashes this winter as they prepare for the third Test which could settle the series against England.

Australia’s victories in Brisbane and Adelaide have put them in sight of regaining the Ashes with another triumph this week at the WACA, where they clinched the series after just 11 days cricket only four years ago.

After 14 months of criticism following their shock Ashes defeat in England in 2005, Australia could have been forgiven for resting on the laurels of another series victory over their oldest rivals.

But vice-captain Gilchrist revealed that Australia are setting their sights beyond the Ashes, although he stopped short of admitting they were aiming for a 5-0 whitewash.

“We’re getting closer to achieve a goal we’ve set ourselves which may not just be winning the Ashes,” he explained. “The Ashes are not the be-all and end-all to this group.

“That’s not disrespecting what we’re trying to achieve and what we lost last year, that still is very much on the agenda, but there are other things around and different things we’re trying to achieve.”

Asked whether he meant a series whitewash, Gilchrist stressed: “5-0 is not something we’ve brought up at all.

Shane Warne is approaching another career milestone in the third Test © Getty Images

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“There are results and trophies and opportunities hopefully to celebrate like we did the other day but it’s not all about that, it’s about what we’re trying to achieve as a group.”

He refused to elaborate about what those goals might be, but Australia are well aware of the target set by legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne for this Test, who needs just six wickets more to take his incredible tally of Test victims to 700.

Warne has claimed six wickets at the WACA on three occasions, but has never claimed a five-wicket haul on a ground which traditionally does not favour spin.

In recent years the wicket has changed from suiting the quicker bowlers and is expected to provide enough encouragement for Warne to believe the landmark is within his reach.

“I’m not sure Warney has taken more than six wickets in a Test at the WACA, but if he hasn’t I’m sure that’s a burning goal in his mind,” added Gilchrist.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is looking for a third hundred in as many Tests © Getty Images

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“Ricky Ponting always tells us to try and better ourselves each time we train or play and you’re not always going to do that, but if you’re striving to do it you’re halfway there.

“Warney will have that in his mind, he will have 700 in his mind - that’s inevitable because it’s one of the two or three greatest achievements ever in the game.”

Warne had an injury scare ahead of Thursday’s third Test in Perth when he injured his right elbow during fielding practice on Tuesday.

However, after treatment the 37-year-old appeared to recover quickly and team bosses were quick to play down any concerns about his ability to play in the third Ashes Test.

Australia have yet to decide their final line-up but all-rounder Andrew Symonds seems favourite to replace Damien Martyn, who announced his shock retirement last Friday, rather than uncapped youngster Adam Voges.