Clarke leads Australia to 253 in one-dayer against Sri Lanka

Michael Clarke top-scored with an unbeaten 77 as Australia scored 253-6 after winning the toss and choosing to bat in its limited-overs tri-series match against Sri Lanka.

Retiring wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist hit 61 off 81 balls _ his 54th half-century _ including three fours and one six.

Matthew Hayden, returning from a hamstring injury, hit 42 to dominate an opening stand of 65 with Gilchrist before Hayden fell caught at mid-wicket in the 13th over.

Chaminda Vaas dismissed captain Ricky Ponting, who caught at slip for nine, as Australia's scoring rate slowed slightly, leaving the home side on 88-2 from 20 overs in overcast conditions.

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