Australia nulify early loss

20 September 2011 06:48 am

Australia extended their overnight lead to 146 as they reached 303 for four at lunch on the final day of the third test against Sri Lanka at the SSC.

Beginning the day on 209 for three, overnight centurion Phillip Hughes was caught by Lahiru Thirimanne for 126 off the bowling of Rangana Herath. New batsman Michael Hussey joined Michael Clarke and took the visitors to the break without the loss of any further wickets, with Clarke reaching his 22nd test fifty with a six off Hearth.

Clarke was unbeaten on 71, with Hussey on 21. (SMD)