Michael Clarke hit his 15th test century to lead Australia to a draw in the third and final test against Sri Lanka on Tuesday and a 1-0 win in his first series as captain.
The series victory came shortly before an announcement that Australia coach Tim Nielsen was stepping down after four-and-a-half years in the post rather than reapplying for his job.
On Nielsen's last day in charge, Clarke and Michael Hussey put together a record fifth wicket partnership of 176 to inflict a first home defeat in a test series on Sri Lanka since they lost to Pakistan in 2006.
The visitors, who had trailed Sri Lanka after the first innings by 157 runs, were dismissed for 488 in their second on the final day. Sri Lanka were left needing 332 for victory off 17 overs and had made 7-0 in two overs when the match ended.
"All the boys are pretty stoked. It's been a fantastic tour," Clarke told reporters.
Aussie coach Nielsen calls it quits
Australia national coach Tim Nielsen has decided to step down rather than reapply for his job, he said Tuesday, soon after the team posted a 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Aussie coach Nielsen calls it quits
Australia national coach Tim Nielsen has decided to step down rather than reapply for his job, he said Tuesday, soon after the team posted a 1-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Nielsen, 43, who held the job for four years, would have had to reapply for the expanded role of head coach, a post which is being created following recommendations made by the seven-month Argus Review of Australian cricket.
Brief Scores: Australia 316 and 488 (M Clarke 112, M Hussey 93; R Herath 7-157) drew with Sri Lanka 473 & 7-0