Dizzy’s Day

Feather duster one day, rooster the next. Ashes discard Jason Gillespie has scored his maiden Test century in another rain shortened day at Chittagong.

Gillespie is only the fifth player to score a Test century after coming in as a nightwatchman, and only the second Australian. His previous highest Test score was 54 not out against New Zealand in November 2004.

This was not the most stylish of innings, but was certainly a patient one, with a life on 44 thanks to a dropped catch by the Bangladesh wicketkeeper, and again on 66 through a spilled catch by Razzak.

After a slightly delayed start due to overnight and morning showers, Australia resumed its first innings at Chittagong on 151-2 with Ponting on 19 and nightwatchman Gillespie on 28. While conditions fined up, the prediction of continuing scattered thunderstorms over the next few days meant that scoring in Australia’s first innings needed to continue at a fairly brisk pace. It didn’t take long for Ponting and Gillespie to overhaul Bangladesh’s first innings total of 197.

Ponting was the first to reach 50, with Gillespie not far behind him. However, just as things were cruising along nicely, disaster struck. Ponting was run out for 52. Gillespie played one to gully, Ponting ran down the pitch before being sent back. It was cleanly picked up by Razzaq with a direct hit to the non-strikers end. Their partnership was worth 90 runs.

Australia went to lunch at 236-3 with a lead of 39 over Bangladesh with new batsman Hussey on 21 and Gillespie on 55.

After lunch Hussey and Gillespie pushed on, with the partnership worth 154. Hussey whose intentions were clear from the start, made his half century in 75 balls.

Heavy rain concluded play before the tea break when Australia were 364-3 with Gillespie on 102 and Hussey on 93.

Australia has a first innings lead of 167 leading into day 4.

Bangladesh 197
Rajin Saleh 71, Khaled Mashud 34*
Jason Gillespie 2-47, Shane Warne 3-47

Australia 364-3
Jason Gillespie 102*, Mike Hussey 93*, Phil Jaques 66
Mohammad Rafique 2-79