Australia pile on the agony for Lankans

NEW DELHI, November 9: Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke scored fine hundreds before Brett Lee claimed a couple of early wickets to put Australia in the driver's seat on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Brisbane on Friday.
Even as international news agencies continued to be locked out of the Gabba over a coverage dispute with Cricket Australia, the hosts plundered the Lankan attack to have centurions in Hussey and Clarke, who helped the home team pile up a massive 551 for four declared in the first innings.
Later in the day, Lee enhanced Australia's domination as Sri Lanka were tottering at 31 for two at the close of play.
While Hussey scored 133 (13x4, 2x6) before being caught by Marvan Atapattu off the bowling of Dilhara Fernando, Clarke remained unbeaten at 145 (13x4, 1x6).
Andrew Symonds also chipped in with a 67-ball 53 as Australia continued their domination of the match.
Clarke and Hussey put on a 245-run fourth-wicket partnership to send the visiting bowlers on a leather-hunt.
It turned out to be yet another miserable day for the Lankan bowlers with star off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan failing to pick up a single wicket.
After the hosts' run feast, Lee had the dangerous Sanath Jayasuriya caught behind for seven before getting Michael Vandort to nick one to Adam Gilchrist for a naught.
Breif scores:
Australia 1st Innings: 551 for four decl.
(Mike Hussey 133, Michael Clarke 145 not out, Dilhara Fernando 1/130)
Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 31 for two in 16 overs
(Marvan Atapattu 19 not out, Brett Lee 2/4).