Another Marsh makes his mark

Debutant Shaun Marsh hit a composed unbeaten half century as Australia again dominated hosts Sri Lanka .

Debutant Shaun Marsh hit a composed unbeaten half century as Australia again dominated hosts Sri Lanka to move into a 90-run lead on the second day of the second Test. Australia,who bowled Sri Lanka out for 174 on the opening day,reached 264 for three at the close with Marsh,who replaced former captain Ricky Ponting in the side,on 87 having shared a 148-run unbroken fourth wicket stand with Michael Hussey,who was 76 not out.

Only 4.3 overs of play were possible in the third session before the match was stopped due to bad light. Weve played all our cricket together for Western Australia, Hussey said of Marsh.

There were some periods where the scoring was more difficult. They bowled really tight for a while and he showed great concentration. Obviously he would be a bit nervous overnight,but hopefully we can start well again in the morning.

Resuming at 133 for three after lunch,Marsh scored patiently and slowly,playing a supporting role to his experienced partner Hussey.

Sri Lankas bowlers toiled and captain Tillakaratne Dilshan used seven bowlers including himself and part timers Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera without any success in the second session. Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal and spinner Suraj Randiv dismissed both Australian openers in the morning session. Australia had not added to their overnight 60-0 when Lakmal bowled Shane Watson 36 with his second ball of the day which the batsman wrongly decided to leave.

Randiv then dismissed Phillip Hughes also for 36 when Tharanga Paranavitana jumped forward from short-leg to hold a bat-and-pad catch.

Australia captain Michael Clarke 13 was then well caught by Mahela Jayawardene at second slip off Chanaka Welegedara when the total was 116.

Scoreboard: Sri Lanka 1st inns: 174

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Australia 1st inns: S Watson b Lakmal 36,P Hughes c Paranavitana b Randiv 36,S Marsh batting 87,M Clarke c M Jayawardene b Welegedara 13,M Hussey batting 76; Extras lb 9,nb 6 16. Total 91.3 overs 264/3; FoW: 1-60 2-95 3-116; Bowling: C Welegedara 13-2-45-1,S Lakmal 14.3-2-60-1,S Prasanna 18-2-62-0,T Dilshan 14-4-32-0,S Randiv 29-6-49-1,K. Sangakkara 2-0-4-0,T. Samaraweera 1-0-3-0.