Tillakaratne Dilshan compiled the third and most impressive century of his Test career to put Sri Lanka in command on the second day of the first Test against Australia here yesterday.

Dilshan scored 104 and Mahela Jayawardene weighed in with 68 as the hosts finished the day 132 runs ahead of the Australians. "Of the three Test centuries, I value this the most because Australia has two of the best leg-spinners and two of the best fast bowlers in the world," Dilshan said. "It was not easy scoring runs against those bowlers."

Resuming on 81 for 1, Sri Lanka quickly lost Kumar Sangakkara, caught and bowled by Michael Kasprowicz for 22. Marvan Atapattu followed, mistiming a drive off Jason Gillespie but Jayawardene and Dilshan steadied the ship, adding 75 for the fourth wicket.

Jayawardene became the first Test victim of the debutant Andrew Symonds, while Hashan Tillakaratne was out lbw to Shane Warne for 33.

The Australians were unable to hinder Dilshan's progress until Kasprowicz returned with the second new ball and tempted Dilshan to drive in the air to Justin Langer at mid-on.