Cricket: Australia close to victory

FATULLAH, Bangladesh - Australia, chasing 307 to win, closed in on an extraordinary comeback victory by reaching 212 for four at the close of the fourth day of the first test against Bangladesh overnight.

After dominating the first two days, the hosts lost their last five wickets for 24 runs after resuming at 124 for five in their second innings.

Half centuries by Matthew Hayden (72) and skipper Ricky Ponting guided Australia towards victory before three late wickets gave Bangladesh, the lowest-ranked test side, renewed hope of a shock win over the best team in world cricket.

Ponting and Adam Gilchrist, a century-maker in the first innings, were not out on 72 and six respectively at the close.

Bangladesh lost their two previous tests against Australia in 2003 by an innings. They have won only one of their 42 tests since 2000, that victory coming over a depleted Zimbabwe side.

"If we can take Ponting and Gilchrist early tomorrow, the match will turn in our favour," Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar said.

"They still have to score 307 runs in the fourth innings, that's a very strong position to be in," Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore said.

Bangladesh scored 427 in their first innings. A brilliant 144 by Adam Gilchrist helped Australia recover to 269 in reply and their bowlers returned to form to rip through the Bangladesh batting in the hosts' second knock.

Seamer Jason Gillespie bowled Khaled Mashud for nought in the second over of the day.

Leg-spinner Shane Warne chipped in with three wickets after a barren first innings, removing Mohammad Rafique (14) and Mashrafe Mortaza with consecutive deliveries before Shahadat Hossain survived the hat-trick delivery.

Rajin Saleh was caught by Hayden off Gillespie for 33 and Warne trapped Haque lbw for nought to wrap up the innings. Warne ended with 3-28 and Gillespie 3-18 off 11 overs.

Hayden faced 152 balls, hitting one six and eight boundaries, before he was run out by a direct hit by Enamul Haque jr in the last session, ending a 109-run partnership with Ponting.

Enamul also got the breakthrough, bowling Mike Hussey for 37 before tea when the visitors were on the attack.

Spinner Mohammad Rafique, who took five for 62 in the first innings, bowled Damien Martyn for seven and then removed Michael Clarke for nine, caught behind by keeper Khaled Mashud.

Ponting has faced 169 balls and hit seven boundaries. The second and final test starts on Sunday in Chittagong.

- REUTERS