Ponting century puts Australia on brink of victory

FATULLAH, Bangladesh, Apr 13 (Reuters) Australia were 17 runs short of completing a stunning victory at lunch on the last day of the opening test against Bangladesh in Fatullah.

An unbeaten 103 from skipper Ricky Ponting, the 31st test century of his career, guided Australia to 290 for seven and within touching distance of a victory that seemed unlikely after the hosts had gained a first-innings lead of 158.

Resuming on their overnight score of 212 for four, Australia soon lost Adam Gilchrist (12) and Shane Warne (5) to the bowling of Mohammad Rafique to leave the tourists in some trouble at 231 for six.

But Ponting and Brett Lee (29) combined for a stoic seventh-wicket stand of 46 to leave them in sight of the winning post when Lee was caught behind off Mashrafe Mortaza just before the lunch interval. Jason Gillespie was the other not out batsman on two.

After carving open their surprise first-innings lead, Bangladesh lost their last five wickets for just 24 runs after resuming at 124 for five in their second innings on Wednesday.

Bangladesh lost their two previous tests against Australia in 2003 by an innings. They have won only one of their 42 tests since 2000, that victory coming over a depleted Zimbabwe side.

The second test starts in Chittagong on Sunday.

REUTERS PM DS1235