Gillespie fires maiden century to lift Aussies

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Apr 18 (Reuters) Nightwatchman Jason Gillespie scored his maiden test century to help put Australia into a commanding position of 364 for three at tea on the third day of the second test against Bangladesh today.

At the interval, paceman Gillespie and Mike Hussey were the not out batsmen on 102 and 93 respectively, extending their partnership to 154 runs in the second session which was extended by 32 minutes after rain had delayed the start.

The tourists, who won the first of the two-match series by three wickets last week, stretched their lead to 167 after dismissing the home side for 197 on the opening day of the match.

Gillespie faced 300 balls hitting 17 boundaries to register his highest test score, eclipsing his 54 not out against New Zealand in November 2004.

One day before his 31st birthday, Gillespie batted with supreme confidence and capitalised on two missed chances by the hosts to reach three figures.

Mohammad Rafique, who removed the openers, was unlucky not to claim a third scalp when Gillespie was dropped by keeper Khaled Mashud on 44.

He was spilled a second time on 60 by Abdur Razzak at gully off the bowling of paceman Shahadat Hossain.

Resuming on their overnight score of 151-2, Gillespie and Ricky Ponting continued to bat solidly as their third-wicket partnership reached 90, before the skipper was run out on 52 from a direct hit by Abdur Razzak, fielding at gully.

Yesterday, Phil Jaques also scored a half-century for the visitors, the opener reaching his highest test score of 66 before he was caught by Shahriar Nafees off the bowling of Rafique.

The spinner had also removed opener Matthew Hayden for 29 on Sunday.

REUTERS AY HT1635