Double centurions fire Australia into pole position

Phil Jaques and Mike Hussey both reached three figures as Australia established control of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart. Dominant form at the crease combined with poor fielding from the tourists enabled Australia to close the first day on 329 for three and inflict further misery on the tourists following their first-Test humbling in Brisbane.

With Jacques and Hussey in irrepressible mood, even Muttiah Muralitharan struggled to stem the Australian tide. Muralitharan, who had the Australia captain Ricky Ponting caught at slip for 31, claimed just a single wicket from 25 overs - and even that distinguished scalp proved a mixed blessing for the visitors, given that it brought Hussey and Jaques together at the crease.

Having both scored centuries in the opening game of the series, the pair took full advantage of a below-par Sri Lanka attack, which controversially lacked left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas, who was dropped ahead of what would have been his 100th cap.

The Jacques-Hussey partnership notched up a combined total of 152 in 38 overs before Sanath Jayasuriya threw Sri Lanka a lifeline of sorts in the evening session by having Jaques caught at long-on by Dilhara Fernando for 150. Hussey, however, finished the day unbeaten on 101, completing his seventh Test ton from 169 balls.

Ironically, the Test had begun on a more auspicious note for the tourists, Fernando securing an early breakthrough when he had Matthew Hayden caught for 17 in the morning session. But with Michael Clarke set to resume on eight when play begins on the second day, Sri Lanka, who require a win to level the series, face an uphill battle.