Australia on course for Bangladesh victory

FATULLAH, Bangladesh, Apr 12 (Reuters) Australia moved into a strong position to press for victory in the first test against Bangladesh today, the visitors reaching the fourth day tea interval on 114 for one as they chase 307 to win.

At the break, Matthew Hayden (44) and skipper Ricky Ponting (37) were the not out batsman with Mike Hussey the only wicket to fall, bowled for 37 by Enamul Haque Jr after a 64-run opening partnership.

The world champions had been completely outplayed in the opening two days of the match with the hosts registering 427 in their first innings and reducing Australia to 93-6 at one stage in their response.

However, a brilliant 144 by Adam Gilchrist spared Australia's blushes yesterday before the visiting team's bowlers returned to form to rip through the Bangladesh batting order, dismissing the hosts for 148 in the first session of the fourth day.

Resuming in a strong position on 124-5 and with a lead of 282, seamer Jason Gillespie struck early hen he bowled Khaled Mashud for nought in the second over of the day.

Leg-spinner Shane Warne took three wickets after a barren first innings, removing Mohammad Rafique (14) and Mashrafe Mortaza with consecutive deliveries before Shahadat Hossain survived the hat-trick delivery.

Rajin Saleh was caught by Hayden off Gillespie for 33 and Warne trapped Haque lbw for nought.

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

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

The second and final test of the series starts on Sunday in Chittagong.

Reuters PDS GC1536