Gillespie breaks record as Australia surge ahead

CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh, Apr 19 (Reuters) A record-breaking 201 not out by nightwatchman Jason Gillespie steered Australia to a commanding lead in the second test against Bangladesh today as they declared on 581-4.

The visitors declared with a lead of 384 runs and nearly five sessions remaining after Gillespie smashed the record for the highest run-scoring nightwatchman on his 31st birthday.

Gillespie, who shattered the previous test record of 105 set by compatriot Tony Mann in December 1977 against India, left the hosts facing an innings defeat.

Australia won the first test earlier this month in Fatullah.

The visitors' score was the highest in a single innings against Bangladesh, beating the previous record of 559 scored by West Indies in 2004.

Gillespie was joined in the centurion's circle by Mike Hussey who hit 182 for his fourth test century.

Hussey and Gillespie shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 320 before Hussey was removed by Aftab Ahmed, caught by Shahadat Hossain at the square-leg boundary line.

Australia had resumed on 364 for three after a rain-disrupted yesterday. Partnering Gillespie, Michael Clarke was not out on 23 when the Australians declared.

Bangladesh were 67 for one at tea.

Opener Shahriar Nafees and skipper Habibul Bashar were not out batsmen at the break on 19 and 17, after opener Javed Omar was trapped lbw by Brett Lee on 19.

Bashar was dropped before he opened his account, by Shane Warne at slip off Gillespie.

REUTERS PM HS1541