| Scores | Upcoming | Results |
Melbourne: Records fell as Australia moved one step closer to a series-clinching victory against Sri Lanka with another dominant performance on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Thursday.
On a day that saw Michael Clarke break Ricky Ponting's record for most Test runs by an Australian in a calendar year and then score his maiden Test century at the MCG, Australia reached 8-440 at stumps with a rejuvenated Mitchell Johnson (73) and Nathan Lyon (on not) unbeaten at the crease and with an overall lead of 284.
Clarke's 106 may not have been his best of all time, but he teamed well with loyal deputy Shane Watson to help put Sri Lanka to the sword with a record-breaking fourth-wicket partnership of 194 early in the day.
Sri Lanka did fight back with three quick wickets just prior to tea - including the scalp of Watson for 83 - but some valuable lower order runs from Johnson and a handy cameo from Peter Siddle (13) ensured Australia remained well on top.
Clarke's century could possibly be considered more fortuitous than classy, but it was Watson's inability to turn a 19th Test fifty into a third hundred that might prove to be the biggest talking point from the day.
Watson arguably looked more assured at the crease than his skipper during his 198-ball stay, but inexplicably became the second Australian to hole out to a fielder on the deep square leg boundary with three figures in sight.
When Matthew Wade followed Watson back to the pavilion in similar style shortly after and Australia were reduced to 6-315, the visitors had their first bit of momentum of the Test and had an extra bit of spring in their step.
But despite Rangana Herath's classic outfield catch to dismiss Mike Hussey for 34 following the tea break, Australia will be more than happy with their day's work in front of a good crowd just shy of 40,000.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka 156
Australia 8 for 440 (Clarke 106, Watson 83, Johnson 73*, Warner 62, Prasad 3-102)
Status Australia lead by 284 runs
