Adam Gilchrist ©Getty Images / Cricket Australia

'Give me my ball back.'

CRICKET AUSTRALIA

That was the plea from Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist after the ball he used to smash his history-making 100th Test six disappeared after being belted out of the Bellerive Oval here on day two of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Gilchrist became the first player in Test history to hit 100 sixes, bringing up the record in style - with a huge swipe over mid-wicket off Sri Lanka's ace spinner Muttiah Muralidaran.

The ball flew so far that it landed in a nearby street, where it was souvenired by a fan from underneath a parked car.

Gilchrist, who scored 67 not out off only 77 balls in Australia's massive first innings of 5-542 declared, admitted it would be nice to get the ball back as a memento.

"We haven't got the ball back which is a bit frustrating because I would love to hang onto it," Gilchrist said.

"I am not a massive collector of memorabilia but there are a few little bits and pieces that I am sure every cricketer has stashed away that means something to them."

"This one is a unique item so I would love to get it back so whoever has got it I would be more than grateful if they gave it back."

Gilchrist said he was proud of his achievement.

"There aren't too many things that you do in life where you are the only person to have ever done it," he said.

"It's not a milestone you ever set out to achieve but it's nice."

Despite his astonishing feat, Gilchrist said his penchant for attempting big shots had got him into plenty of trouble over the years.

"Even after hitting 100 sixes there have been many times when I have tried to hit a six and it hasn't worked so you do have to stay true to your natural game I think."

But does he ever get tired of hitting sixes?

Not likely!

"There is no doubt you get an adrenalin rush (from hitting a six)," Gilchrist said.

"I love that split second or nanosecond where you’re the only person who realises you have really hit it well."

"Everyone in the crowd knows a second later but as a batsman it's a great feeling taking that risk and knowing it has come off."