Clarke Leads Australia To Series Win

Clarke Leads Australia To Series Win

Michael Clarke celebrates reaching his century which helped Australia draw the third and final Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo

©REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte (SRI LANKA - Tags: SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Australia 316 & 488 (Hughes 126, Clarke 112) drew with
Sri Lanka 373 (Mathews 105no) & 7-0
Third Test, Colombo
Scorecard | Day One | Day Two | Day Three | Day Four

Michael Clarke scored his first century since taking over as Australia captain to guide his side to a series-clinching draw against Sri Lanka on the final day of the third and final Test in Colombo.

Clarke's 112 ensured Australia scored 488 in their second innings to put the game beyond Sri Lanka, who closed on seven without loss having batted for two overs in their second innings.

Australia claimed a 1-0 series win courtesy of a 125-run win in the first Test in Galle and a rain-affected draw in the second match in Pallekele.

Although Phillip Hughes (126) fell early as Rangana Herath continued on his way to figures of seven for 158, Clarke stood firm, making 112 in 178 balls while Michael Hussey weighed in with 93.

Brad Haddin (30) and Peter Siddle (26) made useful contributions as Australia batted their way to safety and Sri Lanka had to settle for the draw.

Tharanga Paranavitana (2) and Lahiru Thirimanne (4) were unbeaten when play was ended.

© Cricket World 2011