Khawaja Boosts Australia With Ton

Colombo: Usman Khawaja hit an impressive century ahead of a three-Test series against Sri Lanka as Australia gained the upper hand in a warm-up match on Friday.

The Pakistan-born batsman made 101 before retiring as the tourists reached 311-5 in their first innings in reply to a Sri Lanka Board XI's 258 at stumps on the penultimate day of the three-day game.

Opener Phillip Hughes (76) and skipper Michael Clarke (61 not out) also gained valuable batting practice ahead of the series, starting in Galle next Wednesday.

The remaining two matches will be played in Pallekele (September 8-12) and Colombo (Sept 16-20).

Australia, resuming at 26 for no loss, denied the hosts success for more than a session as Khawaja and Hughes put on 153 runs for the opening wicket.

Hughes fell in the second session when he was bowled by part-time spinner Tharanga Paranavitana after hitting 10 fours.

Khawaja, who has played just one Test, then added 53 for the second wicket with Michael Hussey (28). He cracked two sixes and eight fours before retiring in the last session.

Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera bagged two wickets for the hosts.

Brief scores
Sri Lanka Board XI 258 (Chandimal 59, Paranavitana 49, Copeland 5-47, Harris 2-39, Beer 2-42)
Australian 311 for 5 (Khawaja 101 retd, Hughes 76, Clarke 61*, Perera 2-115)
Status Australian lead by 53 runs

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - 3rd ODI 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs 2nd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Cape Town Pakistan won by 81 runs

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