Cricket-Gilchrist century leads Australia recovery

FATULLAH, Bangladesh, Apr 11 (Reuters) Adam Gilchrist struck his 16th test century to help Australia recover to 226 for seven at lunch on the third day of the first test against Bangladesh today.

The touring side still need two runs to avoid the follow on, trailing the hosts by 201, but Gilchrist's unbeaten 104 left the world champions in a much better position than their overnight 145 for six.

Australia lost the wicket of Brett Lee in the morning session lbw to Mashrafe Mortaza for 15, but fast bowler Jason Gillespie gave Gilchrist good support, reaching 24 not out at the interval.

Gilchrist has hit two sixes and 12 fours in his innings, a welcome return to form for the prolific left-hander who endured a disappointing Ashes series against England last year and had been struggling to rediscover his touch.

Mortaza dismissed Lee in the fifth over of the day shortly after the fast bowler had escaped a possible run-out when wicketkeeper Khaled Mashud wasted an opportunity.

Bangladesh have won only one of their 42 test matches since 2000, that victory coming over a depleted Zimbabwe side.

The Bangladeshis lost their two previous tests against Australia in 2003 by an innings.

The second and last match of the series starts in Chittagong on Sunday.

REUTERS PM RK1238