Captain Ricky Ponting finally brought an end to Sri Lanka's misery, declaring Australia's first innings closed at 5 for 542 just after tea on day two of the second Test at Bellerive Oval in Hobart.
The Australia skipper called in his troops after Andrew Symonds brought up his second 50 of the series. Adam Gilchrist remained not out 67.
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Gilchrist became the first man to hit 100 sixes in Test match cricket when he belted Muttiah Muralidaran over the rope in successive deliveries just prior to the declaration.
The second heave went out of the ground, forcing the umpires to find another ball.
Australia lost just two wickets today, with Michael Hussey dismissed for 132, his second century of the series, and Michael Clarke out for 71.
Dilhara Fernando broke a 125-run fourth wicket stand when he trapped Hussey lbw.
The Western Austalian faced 220 deliveries and hit 18 fours and a six.
Clarke then appeared set to score his second century of the series but was brought undone by a wayward bouncer from paceman Lasith Malinga, who had him caught behind by wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene.
Rain caused minor problems early, bringing an early end to the first session and then again halting play two overs into the second session.
The Australians restricted Muralidaran to just one wicket, meaning he now has 703, five behind Shane Warne's world record.
