Jaques hits maiden test 50 in second test

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Apr 17 (Reuters) Philip Jaques scored his maiden test fifty to push Australia to 151 for two at lunch in the second test against Bangladesh today.

Umpires called lunch early after rain stopped play 27 minutes ahead of the scheduled break. Nightwatchman Jason Gillespie and skipper Ricky Ponting were not out on 28 and 19 runs.

Australia were 76 for one at stumps on Sunday after they had bundled out Bangladesh for 197 on the opening day.

Jaques, who made his test debut against South Africa in Melbourne last year, hit 66 before being caught by Shahriar Nafees at mid-wicket off spinner Mohammad Rafique.

Rafiqur had also removed opener Matthew Hayden for 29 yesterday.

Jaques hit a huge six and eight splendid fours, while Gillespie's 28 had six boundaries. Ponting faced 29 balls and hit two boundaries.

REUTERS PM DS1230