Australia tigthened grip over Sri Lanka; Jaques, Hussey hit repeat centuries

HOBART, Australia, Nov 16, 2007 (AFP) - Phil Jaques and Mike Hussey scored back-to-back Test centuries as Australia took a vice grip on the second cricket Test with Sri Lanka after the opening day's play at Bellerive Oval here Friday. Australia named an unchanged side while Sri Lanka recalled Lasith Malinga and fit-again Kumar Sangakkara, dropping 99-Test paceman Chaminda Vaas and middle-order batsman Thilan Samaraweera.



Jaques followed up his century in Australia's first Test innings victory over the Sri Lankans in Brisbane last week with 150 and Hussey scored a last-over hundred after his 133 in Brisbane as the Australians powered to 329 for three at the close after winning the toss.

Hussey, averaging over 87 per Test innings, pulled a short ball from Farveez Maharoof to the mid-wicket fence in the final over of the day to go to stumps on an unbeaten 101.

Michael Clarke, who scored 145 not out in Australia's only innings in Brisbane, was not out eight.

The Australians threaten to once again grind down the Sri Lankan bowlers afer amassing 551 for four declared in the innings win in Brisbane.

Jaques, who has replaced retired opener Justin Langer, was once again a star to register in second Test century in consecutiv