Hussey unbeaten, Aussies on good footing

Australia seemed intent on batting out the final test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club reaching 429 for five at tea, on the final day, today.

They extended their lead to 272, with Michael Hussey unbeaten on 80 and his partner Brad Haddin on 19.

Sri Lanka made an early breakthrough when Phillip Hughes was caught by Lahiru Thirimanne off the bowling of Rangana Herath for 126. But they failed to capitalise on that dismissal as Hughes' overnight partner Michael Clarke went on to score a century of his own in 139 balls, including 14 boundaries and three sixers.

He was Rangana Herath's fifth wicket, when he holed out to Lahiru Thirimanne at mid-on, for 112.  (SMD)