Australia pushed on to reach a commanding 5-364 at lunch on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka despite the loss of run machine Michael Clarke for 74.

Ultra-consistent veteran Mike Hussey was unbeaten on 66 with Matthew Wade 31 not out.

Australia had resumed on 4-299 on Saturday after half-centuries from David Warner (57) and Phil Hughes (86) on day one.

Clarke was caught at first slip by Kumar Sangakkara off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga (1-60) in the third over of the day, after the skipper pushed defensively at a good-length ball.

The 31-year-old Clarke leads all runscorers in Tests in 2012 with 1432 at a staggering average of 102.28, with possibly three more Test innings to come before the end of the year.

Clarke is only 112 runs shy of Ricky Ponting’s Australian record of 1544 runs in 2005.

Hussey was on 37 overnight and reached his half-century from 114 balls with just two fours as the 37-year-old summed up the situation on a slow-paced pitch and nudged plenty of singles.

Chanaka Welegedara has taken 3-126 from 25 overs but has been expensive, while spinner Rangana Herath has found little turn in the pitch so far and has 0-58 off 21 overs.

Wade had a life on 20 when a hard-hit pull shot was missed at mid-wicket by the sub fielder Suraj Randiv off the bowling of Welegedara.

Play began 50 minutes late on Saturday because of morning rain and stumps are scheduled for 6.20pm (AEDT).