PERTH, Australia, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Aussie Adam Gilchrist scored the second-fastest century in cricket test history and England is facing defeat in the third Ashes Test.
Gilchrist, who failed to score in Australia's first innings, hammered the English bowling to score his 17th Test ton off 57 balls, just failing to break the record of a century in 56 balls, set by West Indian Vivian Richards 21 years ago -- also against England.
Earlier, Michael Hussey also flayed the English attack scoring 103 after Mathew Hayden racked up 92 and Ricky Ponting 75.
Michael Clarke was not out on 135 and Gilchrist not out 102 when Australia declared at 5/527, setting the visitors a mammoth victory target of 557 runs with two days left to play.
Spinner Monty Panesar, mortified by Gilchrist smashing him for 24 in one over, had the best bowling figures, finishing with 3/145.
England began disastrously in its seemingly hopeless chase when opener Andrew Strauss was trapped lbw by Brett Lee in the first over of the second innings.
Alistair Cook (not out 7) and Ian Bell (not out 9) saw out the final half-hour of play and England was one wicket for 19 at stumps.
