Australia beat Sri Lanka thanks to Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc

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Peter Siddle

First Test, Hobart (day five):

Australia 450-5 dec & 278-9 dec beat Sri Lanka 336 & 255 by 137 runs

Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc shared six late wickets to guide Australia to a 137-run victory over Sri Lankain the first Test in Hobart.

Siddle finished the match with figures of nine wickets for 104, while Starc took five for 63 in the second innings as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 255.

The victory gives Australia a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

The second Test starts on Boxing Day in Melbourne ahead of the final encounter in Sydney on 3 January.

Siddle, who was named man of the match, had come under scrutiny for allegations of ball tampering during Sri Lanka's first innings.

However, match officials confirmed they found no evidence of any wrongdoing.

Sri Lanka, chasing 393 to win, had looked like claiming a draw as they put up dogged resistance to reach tea at 186 for four.

However, Siddle removed Thilan Samaraweera (49) and Angelo Mathews (19) within eight overs of the evening session.

Starc then quickly took out the Sri Lanka tail, first removing the key wicket of Prasanna Jayawardene for 21.

He then had Nuwan Kulasekara (nine) caught behind by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade before bowling out Rangana Herath (eight).

Shaminda Eranga (six) was caught by Wade from Starc's delivery two overs later to confirm victory.

Meanwhile, Australia have named the uncapped pace bowler Jackson Bird in their squad for the second Test.

Bird, 26, has taken 40 wickets in 14 games for Tasmania.

Captain Michael Clarke has been included, although he is a doubt for the match after injuring his hamstring while batting on Tuesday.

Usman Khawaja is on standby as a possible replacement for Clarke.

Australia squad for second Test: Michael Clarke (capt), Ed Cowan, David Warner, Phil Hughes, Shane Watson, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Jackson Bird (Usman Khawaja on standby for Clarke).

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