Vice captain Adam Gilchrist praised the Australian tail for its pivotal role in the team sneaking over the line in the opening cricket Test against Bangladesh.

Australia pulled off its second tight win in two weeks by escaping with a three-wicket win over the plucky Bangladeshis at Dhaka's Fatullah Stadium.

Australia had looked in trouble when Shane Warne departed with the tourists still needing another 76 runs to win the match with four wickets in hand.

However Brett Lee (29) and Jason Gillespie (4no) played perfect supporting roles for captain Ricky Ponting (118no) as Australia secured a face-saving win.

It had followed a similar rearguard action in the first innings when Australia recovered from 6-93 to be all out for 269.

In comparison Bangladesh lost 5-29 and 4-1 at the back of its two innings in a telling sign in a close contest.

Gilchrist, named man of the match for his 144 in the first dig, said the tailenders were making valuable contributions.

"That bottom four have been fantastic for us in a number of Test matches over the last 12 months," he said.

"I think it does instil a little bit of confidence in the group, particularly when chasing totals. It is not six out or seven-out all out, the guys keep fighting all the way down.

"We had a tight one in the Ashes when we went down, but last week and this week we have had a couple of good ones.

"Those guys are gaining in confidence and are keen to keep improving in those areas."

Australia flies to the port city of Chittagong in the country's south before the start of the second and final Test on Sunday.

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