Michael Clarke will look to put his first Test series as Australia's skipper beyond Sri Lanka's reach when the second match opens in Pallekele on Thursday. The tourists won the first Test on a contentious dusty wicket in Galle by 125 runs last week to take the lead in the three-match series, Australia's first in Sri Lanka since 2004.Australia's absolute win at Galle over the lacklustre Sri Lankans suggests a related whitewash is a separate possibility, but Clarke was not taking anything for granted. Clarke has reason to be wary of what lies ahead, particularly in the second Test of a series. Australia has lost five second Tests in their last 10 series, winning four and drawing one.
Clarke himself has not made a Test century over 21 innings, but his 23 and 60 at Galle indicated a big knock was round the corner for the stylish right-hander. Australia return to Pallekele for the second time on the current tour, having lost two Twenty20 matches against Sri Lanka there before winning the first one-day international by seven wickets.
Australia's seamers, led by Ryan Harris' 5/62, picked up nine of the 10 Sri Lankan second-innings wickets. Debutant off-spinner Nathan Lyon picked 5/34, including a wicket with his first delivery, in the first innings. Shaun Marsh is almost certain to make his Test debut in Pallekele, replacing Ponting, who returned home after Galle to await the birth of his second child.
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