Sri Lanka Reply Strongly After Hussey Century

Sri Lanka Reply Strongly After Hussey Century

Kumar Sangakkara led Sri Lanka's reply after they rallied to dismiss Australia for 310

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

Australia 310 (Hussey 118, Marsh 81) v
Sri Lanka 166-2 (Sangakkara 66no)
Third Test, Colombo, day two
Scorecard | Day One

An unbeaten half-century from Kumar Sangakkara led a strong Sri Lanka reply to Australia's 310 all out on day two of the third and final Test in Colombo.

The left-hander, playing his 100th Test, was on 66 at stumps as Sri Lanka closed on 166 for two after Tharanga Paranavitana also made 46.

The reshuffled opening partnership of Paranavitana and Lahiru Thirimanne (28) put on 56 for the first wicket before Thirimanne was bowled by Peter Siddle.

Paranavitana fell when he was caught by Ricky Ponting off Mitchell Johnson but Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, on 31, held firm to keep Sri Lanka in range and set up a strong platform from which they will look to build on day three.

Earlier, Michael Hussey completed his century - his second in as many innings - to almost single-handedly haul Australia past 300.

He was supported by Brad Haddin, who made 35 - his highest score of the series - before he was finally bowled by Shaminda Eranga for 118.

Eranga, who took a wicket with his first ball in Test cricket on the opening day, also removed Haddin to finish with figures of four for 65 while Chanaka Welagedara ripped through the tail to take three for 75.

Hussey faced 178 balls, hitting 12 fours and two sixes.

Australia lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 125-run in Galle and a rain-affected draw in Pallekele.

© Cricket World 2011