Australia rode on Phil Jaques's maiden Test century to post a handsome 242 for 3 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Brisbane on Thursday.
The 28-year-old left-hander scored exactly 100 before he was stumped off Muttiah Muralitharan.
Playing in only his third Test, Jaques hit 13 boundaries in his 203-ball knock and announced himself as the perfect replacement for the retired Justin Langer.
Put into bat, Australia got off to a good start as Jaques and Matthew Hayden put on 69 for the opening wicket before the latter was brilliantly caught by Muralitharan off Chaminda Vaas for 43.
Captain Ricky Ponting scored a brisk 56, including seven boundaries, adding 114 runs for the second wicket with Jaques as Australia took early command.
However, Muralitharan helped Sri Lanka claw their way back a bit, claiming the wickets of Ponting and Jaques, to finish with 2 for 67 in his 23 overs.
At close, Mike Hussey was unbeaten on 28, while Michael Clarke was not out on 5.
