Wednesday, April 12 2006 15:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Fatullah (Bangladesh): Australia made a solid start today (Apr 12, 2006) in chasing a 307-run victory target set by Bangladesh on the fourth day of the first Test.

They were 114-1 at tea, with opener Mathew Hayden on 44 and captain Ricky Ponting on 30, after bowling Bangladesh out for just 148 in their second innings.

Australia, who suffered a batting collapse in the first innings, played cautiously on a pitch not conducive to free strokeplay.

Hayden had so far added 50 with Ponting for the second wicket after being dominated by another left-hander Michael Hussey (37) in a 64-run opening stand.

Hussey had looked set for a big score but was bowled when he played on when trying to sweep spinner Enamul Haque.

The world champions, who have won both their previous Tests against lowly Bangladesh by innings margins, bounced back in style after conceding a 158-run first innings lead.

After reducing Bangladesh to 124-5 on the third day, Australia dismissed the remaining batsmen for just 24 with Shane Warne and Jason Gillespie sharing five scalps today.