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PALLEKELE: Left-hander Shaun Marsh scored a half century on his test debut on the second day of the second test against Sri Lanka on Friday as Australia took a 77-run first innings lead at tea.
Australia were 251 for three with Marsh, who replaced Ricky Ponting, 17 short of his maiden century as he shared 135-run unbroken fourth wicket partnership with Michael Hussey, who was 68 not out.
Resuming at 133 for three after the lunch, Marsh scored patiently and slowly, playing a supporting role to his experienced partner Hussey.
Hussey scored his 26th test half-century in style.
Sri Lanka's 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.
In the first session, fast bowler Suranga Lakmal and spinner Suraj Randiv dismissed the Australian openers.
Lakmal bowled Shane Watson (36) with his second ball of the day which the batsman wrongly decided to leave as he was dismissed without his team adding to the overnight score of 60.
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 then added a quick 13 runs in 20 balls before being excellently caught by Mahela Jayawardene at second slip off Chanaka Welegedara when the total was 116.
On Thursday, Sri Lanka were skittled out for 174 runs having won the toss.
Australia won the first test of the three-match series in Galle by 125 runs.
