Gillespie is the first nightwatchman to score a double Test ton

The lanky paceman became the first night-watchman to score a Test double hundred when he faced 425 balls for an unbeaten 201 in Chittagong.

"It's unbelievable, a fairytale really," said 31-year-old Gillespie, nicknamed Dizzy.

"Hansel and Gretel and Dizzy's double hundred - they're one and the same. An absolute fairytale."

Gillespie, who achieved the feat on day four of the second Test on Wednesday, became only the third night-watchman to make a Test century before going on to almost quadruple his previous best score of 54.

You had to be here to believe it Former Australia star Merv Hughes

"Considering Jason hadn't scored a century in any form of cricket, it was an amazing innings," Australia coach John Buchanan said.

"For a nightwatchman to sustain an innings of over 400 balls is something we may never see again."

Gillespie, dropped after a disappointing Ashes series, had never batted higher than number eight for his country apart from a few appearances as nightwatchman, averaging just over 15.

"You had to be here to believe it," said Australia selector and former fast bowler Merv Hughes.

Gillespie's effort in his 71st Test lifted him above a host of great Australian batsmen in the highest individual Test-innings charts, including Steve Waugh (200), David Boon (200) and Mark Waugh (153).

"This is ridiculous, I was just lucky that the shots came off and I had a bit of a laugh all the way," said Gillespie after hitting 26 fours and two sixes.

The Sydney Morning Herald summed up Gillespie's achievement.

"Many better innings, but none more astonishing," a headline ran.

Gillespie was reminded he had promised to join team-mate Matthew Hayden in a nude lap of the ground if he converted his century into a double.

"Don't know about that one, being in a Muslim country," he replied.

"I don't know if it would be perceived right."