Australia was all out tonight for a disappointing 273 on the first day of the Test match at Galle. Michael Hussey was dismissed on 95 just minutes before the close of play.

His sparkling innings was in contrast to the other batsman who continued to misfire in much the same way they have for the past few series.

Of the other batsmen only Ricky Ponting passed 25 but his dismissal to an ambitious lofted drive when on 44 was not what the side needed.

Michael Clarke continued his Test struggles, dismissed for 23.

Clarke and Ponting have not made three figures for 20 Test innings and are a real concern if they do not start to make Test runs soon.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Rangana Herath claimed both and finished with 3-54.

None of the batting pairs managed to combine for even a 50-run partnership on the day.

Opener Shane Watson started the innings strongly, crashing four boundaries in one over off the bowling of Channaka Welegedara, a move that authored his own downfall.

The Sri Lanka captain introduced spin after the sixth over and the opener edged the first ball off Herath to the keeper and was out for 22 off 19 balls.

Phil Hughes also started well, but was undone by the variable bounce, which saw some balls passing through barely above ankle height.

Right-arm opening bowler Suranga Lakmal got one to rise steeply and catch the outside edge.

Hughes was caught in slip for 12 (31 balls).

Usman Khawaja did not make the most of his chance, falling for 21. (AFP)