On this day in 2006: Gillespie registered highest score by night-watchman
Apr 19, 2021
New Delhi [India], April 19 : It was on this day, 15 years ago, when former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie registered the highest score by a night-watchman in international cricket.
The Australian managed to play an unbeaten knock of 201 against Bangladesh in Chattogram. He achieved the feat on the fourth day of the second Test.
Australia had bundled out Bangladesh for 197 in the first innings. Coming out to bat, the Aussies lost the wicket of Matthew Hayden just before the close of play and as a result, Gillespie strode out to the middle in place of Ricky Ponting.
Gillespie frustrated the Bangladesh bowlers as he showed great skill and determination. The pacer batted for a total of 425 deliveries for registering the knock of 201.
He smashed 26 fours and two sixes as well. Along with Gillespie, Michael Hussey also played a knock of 182 runs to take Australia's total to 581/4.
Australia gained a lead of 384 runs and then decided to declare the innings. The side then went on to bundle out hosts Bangladesh for 304 in the second innings, winning the match by an innings and 80 runs.
In the match, Gillespie also managed to take three wickets. All these wickets for Gillespie came in the first innings of the match.
The now 46-year-old played 71 Tests, 97 ODIS and 1 T20I for Australia. He finished his career with 259 wickets in the longest format of the game, while he scalped 142 wickets in ODI cricket.
