Nafees century helps Bangladesh make fine start

FATULLAH, Bangladesh, Apr 9 (Reuters) Shahriar Nafees struck his maiden test century to lift Bangladesh to 238 for two at tea on day one of the first test against Australia today.

Nafees and captain Habibul Bashar (76) shared a Bangladesh record second-wicket partnership of 187 to give the hosts a superb start against the world champions.

Bashar was caught by Brett Lee at mid-on off Stuart MacGill just before tea but Australia's five-pronged bowling attack generally struggled to make inroads after the hosts won the toss.

Seamer Jason Gillespie trapped Javed Omar lbw for 27 with the fifth ball of his opening over in the first session.

Nafees, dropped on 66 by Shane Warne at slip off Gillespie, hit 18 fours and Bashar struck 11 boundaries as Bangladesh rattled up their runs from 50.4 overs.

Bashar survived a scare on 36 when he was dropped by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist after misreading a delivery from leg spinner Warne, test cricket's leading wicket-taker who conceded 84 runs from 13 overs.

REUTERS PM PM1505