Brisbane, November 12:

Australia sealed an easy win over Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test in Brisbane.

Sri Lanka were bowled out for 300 in their second innings on the final day, which was twice interrupted by rain. Aussie paceman Brett Lee wrapped things up, taking four second innings wickets to add to his four in the first innings.

Australia declared their first innings at 551-4, riding on centuries from Phil Jaques (100), Michael Hussey (133) and Michael Clarke (unbeaten 145). Sri Lanka, who made 211 in the first innings, were forced to follow on and were all out for 300.

Chamara Silva (43) offered some resistance but when Stuart Clark bowled Muttiah Muralitharan it was all over. The Aussies went into the final day needing just five wickets to wrap up an innings victory in their first Test match for 10 months.

Silva was dropped by Phil Jaques off Stuart Clark in the fourth over of the day but Clark was not to be denied for long, trapping Prasanna Jayawardene LBW for one soon after. Farveez Maharoof (18) helped Silva add 33 for the seventh wicket before Lee knocked over his off stump and the only hold up for Australia was the two rain delays.

When they came back out Silva crashed three fours off one Lee over before the fast bowler struck, Silva caught by Michael Hussey. Dilhara Fernando was cleaned up by Lee before Clark wrapped up the proceedings when he yorked Muralitharan for Australia’s 13th Test win in a row.