Australia wrap up second test v Sri Lanka

HOBART, Australia, Nov 20 (Reuters) Australia beat Sri Lanka by 96 runs today to win the second test at Bellerive Ova and complete a 2-0 series clean sweep.

The Australians wrapped up victory in the third over after lunch on the fifth and final day when Sri Lanka collapsed to be all out for 410 despite a defiant 192 from Kumar Sangakkara.

Sri Lanka started the day on 247-3, needing a further 260 runs to reach an unlikely victory target of 507, but lost six wickets in the extended morning session then their last batsmen 12 minutes after the re-start.

Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, who was named man of the match in both tests, captured four for 87 to finish with 16 wickets for the series.

Australia's win was their 14th consecutive test victory, just two short of the world record they set between 1999 and 2001, giving them the chance to break the record in the upcoming home series against India, which starts on Dec 26.

Lee triggered the collapse when he made the initial breakthrough in the fifth over of the day, dismissing Sanath Jayasuriya for 45, caught behind by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, diving to his left.

With their chances of winning all but over, Sri Lanka's hopes of at least salvaging a draw disappeared just three overs later when Mitchell Johnson captured two wickets in successive balls.

Chamara Silva was caught by Ricky Ponting at second slip without scoring then wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene departed for a golden duck when he was trapped leg before wicket without offering a shot.

Sri Lanka helped contribute to their own downfall when Dilhara Fernando was run out for two, attempting a suicidal third run, before Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga staged a late fightback to ensure the tourists at least made it to lunch.

The pair put on 74 runs for the ninth wicket before Sangakkara was unluckily given out eight runs short of a deserved double-century, caught by Ponting off Clark from a ball that ricocheted off his shoulder.

Malinga launched a late assault on the Australian bowlers, belting five boundaries and three sixes in an unbeaten 42 and also shared an entertaining last-wicket stand of 46 with Muttiah Muralitharan before Lee ended the match when he bowled Muralitharan for 15.

Reuters TB DB0935