Brave Bangladesh

An extremely close run out decision, which saw Matthew Hayden dismissed for 72, inspired a brave Bangladesh to keep their dream of the biggest upset in Test cricket alive.

Australia had appeared to be cruising to victory with Hayden and Australian captain Ricky Ponting in complete control. Ponting finished not out 72 in a team score of 212/4, chasing 307 for victory.

The Australians had given themselves a chance of victory after claiming the last five Bangladesh wickets today for the addition of just 24 runs.

Wicket Keeper Khaled Mashud was first to go, cleaned bowled by Jason Gillespie, shouldering arms for a duck (124/6). Mohammad Rafique struck three boundaries in a quick 14, before being trapped plumb LBW to Shane Warne (147/7).

Warne quickly wrapped up the tail; first bowling Mashrafe Mortaza for a duck, and then trapping Enamul Haque jnr LBW also for a blob. Gillespie chimed in with the wicket of Rajin Saleh caught for a stubborn 33 (118 balls).

This left the Australians 307 for a great come from behind victory. Both openers Mike Hussey and Matthew Hayden looked comfortable against the new ball. The spinners were causing a few more problems and it was Enamul Haque jnr who struck first bowling Hussey for a sedate 37 (64/1)

Then came the partnership that threatened to see the world champions home to victory. They had put on 109 runs for the 2nd wicket, when a fantastic piece of fielding by Enamul Haque ran out Hayden with a direct hit.

This seemed to inspire Mohammad Rafique who bowled Damien Martyn with a pearler for 7 (183/3). He then had a reckless Michael Clarke caught at the wicket for 9. First innings hero Adam Gilchrist finished not out 6.

Ponting or Rafique the winner of that duel will almost certainly decide this match, either way Bangladesh has arrived in Test cricket.

Bangladesh First Innings 427
Shahriar Nafees 138, Habibul Bashar 76, Rajin Saleh 67
Stuart MacGill 8-108, Jason Gillespie 2-47

Australia First Innings 269
Adam Gilchrist 144, Jason Gillespie 26
Mohammad Rafique 5-62, Mashrafe Mortaza 2-56

Bangladesh Second Innings 148
Shahriar Nafees 33, Rajin Saleh 33
Jason Gillespie 3-18, Shane Warne 3-28

Australia Second Innings 212/4
Matthew Hayden 72, Ricky Ponting 72*
Mohammad Rafique 2-68, Enamul Haque jnr 1-61