#ThisDayThatYear: Jason Gillespie scripts history with unbeaten 201
14 years ago on this day, former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie stunned the world by scoring a double century against Bangladesh in Chattogram. Gillespie had achieved the feat on Day 4 of the second Test. With this knock, the Aussie pacer went on to script several records. We take you back memory lane and look at this innings.
Gillespie came and blunted Bangladesh
Gillespie came in as a night-watchman on Day 1 after Australia bundled out Bangladesh for 197. Matthew Hayden was dismissed just before the close of play and as a result, Gillespie strode out to the middle. He went on to amass 201* from 425 deliveries, hitting 26 fours and two sixes. Gillespie shared a 320-run stand for the fourth wicket alongside Michael Hussey (182).
Gillespie part of these records after an emphatic display
Gillespie and Hussey's 320-run stand is still the highest for any wicket in Test matches between Australia and Bangladesh. Gillespie is the only double centurion in Australia-Bangladesh Test cricket. The fast bowler and Hussey helped Australia get to 581/4 declared in the Chattogram Test. It is still the highest total in Australia-Bangladesh Test cricket. Gillespie has also registered the highest score by a night-watchman.
How did the second Test pan out?
Bangladesh were bowled out for 197 on Day 1. Gillespie picked up three scalps, alongside spin duo of Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill. Australia replied strongly and piled up 581/4. Besides the heroics of Gillespie and Hussey, Phil Jaques (66) and Ricky Ponting (52) contributed immensely. In the second innings, Bangladesh scored 304/10. Warne claimed a fifer.
Gillespie celebrates his birthday, turns 45 today
Meanwhile, today is Jason Gillespie's birthday and the former Aussie star turned 45 years old. The right-arm pacer thanked fans for the wishes on Twitter. "Hi everyone- really appreciate all the birthday messages. My apologies if I don't reply to everyone. Means a lot. Stay safe," tweeted Gillespie. The ICC paid tribute to the bowler as well on the social media site.
A look at Gillespie's Test career
In 71 Tests, Gillespie claimed 259 scalps at an average of 26.13. With the bat, he amassed 1,218 runs at 18.73. Besides the double ton, he also registered two fifties.
