Hogg, Gillespie press for Test debut

Fast bowler Gillespie, playing his first match for Australia since being sent home from the World Cup with a heel injury, collected two for nine from 13 tight overs, enhancing his chances of a recall after Glenn McGrath went home to be with his sick wife.

Steve Waugh declined the chance to enforce the follow-on after their opponents finished 245 short of Australia’s first innings total of 377-3 declared, deciding instead to give his lower order some valuable batting practice ahead of the first Test.

Reversing the order, the Australians made a slow start but managed to finish the day in a commanding position at 180-8, an overall lead of 425 with a day to go.

Darren Lehmann followed up his first innings of 44 with a tidy 42, while Martin Love — who will be promoted to number four in the Test after Damien Martyn was forced out with a broken finger — posted his second half-century of the match to finish unbeaten on 55.

Brief score:

Australia (1st innings): 377-3 declared

Guyana Board XI (1st innings): 132 (I Jan 42; J Gillespie 2/13, A Bichel 2/10, S MacGill 2/49, B Hogg 4/23).

Australia (2nd innings): 180/8 (D Lehmann 42, M Love 55; Sanford 2/19, Black Banks 2/62, Mohammed 2/45).