Australia beats Sri Lanka by 140 runs

At last the Australians have tasted victory this summer. It took until the fourth Test of their home campaign, and into the final hour at that, but Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle delivered a 137-run win for Clarke and their team-mates as Sri Lanka's tail-enders narrowly failed to hold on for a draw at Bellerive Oval. Despite the best efforts of Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera in particular, Sri Lanka will walk out on Boxing Day at the MCG 1-0 down. Fortunately for the Australians, the strike bowlers did the job in the final session. Sri Lanka's fight was admirable, but on a wearing pitch their task was simply too great. Australia dismissed Sri Lanka for 255 in the final session Tuesday to win the first test by 137 runs. Scores: Australia 1st Innings: 450-5 (Mike Hussey 115 not out, Phil Hughes 87, Michael Clarke 74). Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 336 (Tillakaratne Dilshan 147, Angelo Mathews 75; Peter Siddle 5-54). Australia 2nd Innings: 278-9 declared (David Warner 68, Michael Clarke 57 retired hurt; Rangana Herath 5-95). Sri Lanka 2nd Innings: 255 (Kumar Sangakkara 63; Mitchell Starc 5-63, Peter Siddle 4-50).