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 [Images] 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 [Images] put on 69 for the opening wicket before the latter was brilliantly caught by Muralitharan off Chaminda Vaas [Images] for 43.
Captain Ricky Ponting [Images] 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 [Images] was not out on 5.
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