Bangladesh struggle after Gillespie record 201

CHITTAGONG, Apr 19 (Reuters) A world record 201 not out by nightwatchman Jason Gillespie steered Australia to a commanding lead in the second test against Bangladesh today.

The previous record for a nightwatchman was 105 scored by compatriot Tony Mann in December 1977 against India. Fast bowler Gillespie's previous highest test score was 54 not out and he now has a higher test best than Mark or Steve Waugh.

Mike Hussey hit 182, his fourth test century, and shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 320 with Gillespie who was celebrating his 31st birthday today and faced 425 balls.

''It was not very easy, putting your head down and batting in the heat. I think I am developing into an all rounder,'' Gillespie said with a laugh.

The visitors declared their first innings on 581 for four, a lead of 384. Bangladesh were struggling to make Australia bat again after reaching 195 for four at close of play.

Opener Shahriar Nafees hit 75 not out and captain Habibul Bashar 49. Leg-spinner Shane Warne had taken three for 63 by the close, bowling 23 consecutive overs.

Australia had resumed on 364 for three after a rain-disrupted Tuesday. Hussey went for his strokes, hitting 21 fours and one six before being caught by Shahadat Hossain on the square-leg boundary off Aftab Ahmed with the score on 530.

Michael Clarke was 23 not out when the Australians declared.

Gillespie hit 26 fours and two sixes.

The Australian score was the highest in an innings against Bangladesh, beating the 559 scored by West Indies in 2004.

Bangladesh opener Javed Omar was trapped lbw by Brett Lee on 19 and Bashar was dropped before he opened his account, by Warne at slip off Gillespie.

Bashar and Nafees put together a 102-run partnership before the Bangladesh skipper was caught by Matthew Hayden at slip off Warne. Rajin Saleh was dismissed for five when was caught by Ricky Ponting at silly point off Warne.

Nafees, who was dropped on 29 by Hayden off Warne, faced 166 balls, hitting nine boundaries.

Australia won the first test by three wickets.

REUTERS AY KP1853