Gillespie cruises through bowling return in Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, Guyana, April 6 AAP - Jason Gillespie proved he was on track for Thursday's first Test against the West Indies during a strong bowling performance in his return match in Georgetown today.

Gillespie claimed 2-13 from nine overs as Australia moved towards victory against the Guyana Board President's XI in the opening three-day tour match at the Everest ground.

At stumps on the second day, Australia was 8-180 in its second innings, leading the home team by 425 runs after it was dismissed for 132.

Gillespie made seven during a late knock while Queenslander Martin Love was unbeaten on 55 as Australian captain Steve Waugh reshuffled his batting order to continue the build-up to the Test at nearby Bourda.

Waugh's top order received valuable time at the crease on the first day before the captain declared at the overnight score of 3-377.

Gillespie's bowling was among the most satisfying results from a commanding Australian performance on the slow Everest wicket.

The South Australian had not bowled since he was sent home from the World Cup with a heel injury and there were doubts over whether he would recover before the four-Test series.

He appeared on track today, bowling well across two spells, as the Australians rattled a team containing three players from the Windies' 14-man Test squad.

Spinner Brad Hogg claimed 4-23, including three late wickets, while his rival for the slow bowling spot, Stuart MacGill, was punished by the local batsmen.

His two wickets came at the expense of 49 runs from eight overs.

Andrew Bichel (2-10), opening the bowling in place of rested quick Brett Lee, was lively during a six-over burst.

Under the rejigged second innings line-up Hogg and Adam Gilchrist opened the batting but wickets fell quickly.

Gilchrist (eight) fell in the third over, Hogg (16) was out nine balls later and Bichel, batting at three, had his stumps spread by former Test quick Marlon Black after scoring seven.

Queensland quick Ashley Noffke made a polished 20 before Darren Lehmann was the first of the recognised batsmen at No.6.

Lehmann made 42, following his unbeaten 44 in the first innings, combining with Love for a 72-run stand.

Love reached his second half-century for the match in a solid build-up to his role at No.4 in the first Test.