Brisbane, November 8:

Phil Jaques profited from two dropped catches to hit his maiden Test century as Australia dominated the first day of the first Test against Sri Lanka today.

Jaques made 100 in Brisbane with Matthew Hayden (43) and Ricky Ponting (56) also producing good contributions as Australia reached 242-3. Muttiah Muralitharan bowled menacingly, taking 2-67 to stand six wickets shy of Shane Warne’s Test record of 708.

He had Jaques and Ponting stumped and was unlucky not to take more wickets. The tourists left out their fastest weapon Lasith Malinga — with Chaminda Vaas and Farveez Maharoof taking the new ball. Kumar Sangakkara was unable to play because of injury.