Australian Summer begins , Aussies off to a good start …

Recalled opener Phil Jaques is making the most of the opportunity to permanently replace Justin Langer with a watchful innings in the first 3 mobile Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba.

Australia has reached 1-161 by tea with Matthew Hayden departing for 43 after lunch. Captain Ricky Ponting is unbeaten on 46.

Jaques (68 not out) survived an almost fatal misreading of Muttiah Muralidaran twenty minutes before the interval - when Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene grounded a tough chance at first slip - to pass his previous highest Test score.

The NSW batsman's previous best of 66 came against Bangladesh in Chittagong on his last Test appearance in 2005/06.

In a rain-shortened opening session, he faced 34 deliveries before scoring his first run when he flicked Muralidaran into the leg side for a single just before lunch.

The start of play was initially delayed by 15 minutes because of persistent overnight rain in Brisbane and was then interrupted for another hour following just one maiden over from veteran quick Chaminda Vaas (1-35)

With some concerns over the form of his top order, Jayawardene decided to insert Australia into bat, attempting to exploit the humid and overcast conditions.

But a three-pronged pace assault - which included Farveez Maharoof at the expense of the explosive Lasith Malinga - has never really troubled the Australians with Hayden's aggression a major factor in his dismissal.

The burly Queenslander advanced down the wicket to Vaas but his attempted lofted drive failed to clear the infield and a delighted Muralidaran held onto a decent catch running towards the boundary from mid off.

Jaques hasn't always been in complete control against the champion Sri Lankan off spinner and was dropped on 60 before having his heart in his mouth again on 64 when a cover drive off Maharoof fell inches from the grasp of Chamara Silva.

But Ponting has effortlessly cruised towards a 37th Test half-century, clubbing Muralidaran to the rope the final ball before the tea break to underpin his dominance.