Sports Digest: Australia's bowlers hit back in the final session in Fatullah to reduce Bangladesh to 124 for five in their second innings on the third day of an extraordinary first Test yesterday. The home side, who hit 427 in their first innings, dismissed Australia for 269 after Adam Gilchrist hit his 16th Test century (144).
Bangladesh, who had been 41-0 at tea, now have a lead of 282 over the best team in the world, who will have a good chance of avoiding an embarrassing defeat if their bowlers strike early today.
Bangladesh have won only one of their 42 Tests since 2000, that victory coming over a depleted Zimbabwe side. They lost their two previous Tests against Australia in 2003 by an innings.
"We are still in a sufficiently good position. Our aim is 125 more runs to set a good challenge for the visitors," said Bangladesh vice-captain Khaled Mashud.
"It is going to be a very good match. (Although) they have a pretty handy lead, we are getting ourselves back into the match," said Gilchrist.
Australia avoided the follow-on thanks to Gilchrist, who batted superbly with the tail-enders to take his side from 93-6 to within 160 runs of Bangladesh. The left-hander hit six sixes and 14 fours.
Resuming at 145 for six, Australia lost Brett Lee in the morning session lbw to Mashrafe Mortaza for 15 before fast bowler Jason Gillespie gave Gilchrist good support.
Flintoff wins award
Andrew Flintoff has beaten his great Ashes rival Shane Warne to the Wisden accolade of Leading Cricketer of the World for 2005.
Flintoff, already last year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year and an MBE in the New Year's Honours List, can add Wisden's award to his collection in recognition of his remarkable contribution to England's unexpected Test series victory over Australia.
The all-rounder is the third winner of an award invested from 2003 onwards and previously won by Warne and Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
Flintoff, who is captaining England in their ongoing tour of India, said, "I'm pleased to have been given this award. It's very humbling and obviously a great honour."
Sponsor for Rás team
As the countdown to next month's FBD Insurance Rás continues, the new-look MyHome.ie/Cycleways.com team was launched yesterday afternoon in Dublin, writes Shane Stokes.
The property and homes group has come on board as a co-sponsor for the 2006 season and with its backing the prominent amateur team will aim for strong performances in events such as the Rás, the national championships and next weekend's Rás Mumhan in Kerry.
The team includes Philip Cassidy, who has been one of the most successful domestic-based riders for over 20 years. In that time he has been national champion and taken two Rás titles.
