Australia seized control of the first Test match against Sri Lanka in Hobart after they picked up four wickets in the final session of day two.
Sri Lanka would have been hoping to post a positive reply after Australia declared on 450, but they could only muster a score of 87-4 after tea.
© AP Photos
Michael Hussey hit an unbeaten 115 as he and Matthew Wade produced a 146-run partnership before a rain delay led to Australia declaring before tea.
Australia looked enthusiastic in the field and made an early breakthrough when Ben Hilhenhaus found the edge of Dimuth Karunarathe's bat for 14.
That dismissal introduced Kumar Sangakkara to the action but he could make just four runs as he edged to Hussey off the bowling of Peter Siddle.
Sri Lanka required a captain's innings from Mahela Jayawardene but he could only remain at the crease for 22 balls after he was trapped lbw by Shane Watson for 12.
The tourists appeared to be heading to the close on play with just three wickets down but in the penultimate over before stumps, Nathan Lyon struck to dismiss Thilan Samaraweera for seven runs.
Tillakaratne Dilshan remained at the crease to pass 50 just before the close of play but Sri Lanka will have to bat well on day three to prevent Australia taking a significant first innings lead.
