Opener Jaques hits century; Australia 242/3

Opener Phil Jaques hit a ton as Australia tackled Sri Lankan Muttiah Muralitharan’s spin wizardry to reach 242/3 on the opening day of the first Test. According to Cricinfo website, skipper Ricky Ponting scored a useful 56 while Muralitharan picked 2 for 67. Michael Hussey was batting on 28 and Michael Clarke was on 5 at the close of play.SCOREBOARD

Australia (first innings)

P Jaques st Jayawardene b Murali 100, M Hayden c Murali b Vaas 43, R Ponting st Jayawardene b Murali 56, M Hussey batting 28, M Clarke batting 5

Extras (B-4, lb-5, nb-1) 10; Total (for 3 wickets) 242

Fall of wickets: 1-69, 2-183, 3-216

Bowling: Vaas 16-4-44-1, Maharoof 21-6-48-0, Fernando 16-1-74-0, Muralitharan 23-3-67-2