PALLEKELE, Sri Lanka:

Unbeaten half-centuries from debutant Shaun Marsh and veteran Mike Hussey put Australia firmly in control of the second Test against Sri Lanka with the tourists extending their lead to 90 runs at stumps on day two yesterday.

Australia reached 264 for three when bad light stopped play shortly after tea in reply to Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 174. More than 21 overs of play were lost when umpires called off the day's play when there was no improvement in the light.

Marsh was just 13 runs short of a century on his debut having faced 211 balls in a knock that included 11 boundaries. Hussey remained not out on 76 including eight boundaries off 152 balls.

Seamers Suranga Lakmal, Chanaka Welegedara and spinner Suraj Randiv picked up a wicket each.

The pair came together with Sri Lanka on the front foot after taking three wickets in the morning session and produced an unbroken 148-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

"I think it was an important time when we came together,'' Hussey said. "It could have gone either way. If they got a couple of quick wickets they would have seen themselves right in the match and would have bowled us out cheaply.''

Hussey said Marsh not only played a good innings but showed maturity.

"I certainly had periods out there when I battled a bit mentally. There were certainly periods when I was struggling with concentration and thankfully Shaun was there at the other end to keep me going.''

He said the pitch at Pallekele was ideal for batting and suggested Australia should go on to build a sizeable lead.