Twin tons by Jack Edwards (106) and Jonathan Marlo (100*) helped Australia U19s to 309, as the visitors, Sri Lanka U19s were 38 for the loss of 1 wicket, handing the Australian young guns the edge at the end of day one in their only Youth Test in Hobart.
Winning the toss, the Lankan under 19 captain, Kamindu Mendis sent the hosts into bat under cloudy skies at the Kingston Twin Ovals in Hobart.
The hosts did not get off to the start they were looking for as they were reduced to 45 for the loss of 3 wickets as fast bowlers, right arm Nipun Ranshika and left arm Thisaru Dilshan managed early break throughs.
Josephian all-rounder Jehan Daniels got into the act as he picked the wicket of Jason Sangha for 41 (73) runs as the hosts were in a spot of bother at 112 for the loss of 4 wickets.
New South Wales product Edwards (16) and Victoria’s Merlo (18) collaborated for a 182-run stand, after the Australians had been reduced to 4 for 112
Edwards was dismissed for 106 from 186 deliveries off the bowling of Ranshika as the hosts pushed for quick runs late in the day. Merlo was unbeaten on 100 from 133 deliveries as the Aussies declared at 6-309 in the 80th over.
The hosts were 4-160 at tea but some rapid runs from Edwards and Merlo in the final session took them to their total of 309.
Nipun Ransika was the pick of Sri Lanka’s bowlers with 3-46 off 12.3 overs. Jehan Daniel and Trinity College, left arm bowler Thisaru Dilshan picked a wicket a piece.
The visiting openers came out with a job at hand but a late breakthrough in the day by fast bowler Ryan Hadley kept the Lankans in check.
Maris Stella opener, Lasith Crosspulle was the single man to be dismissed as he fell for 14 runs off 18 balls with 2 boundaries. The visitors still trail Australia by 271 as play will continue for day two tomorrow, starting 9.30am Australian time.
Australia U19 309/6 (79.3) Jonathan Merlo 100*, Jack Edwards 106, Jason Sangha 41, Nipun Ransika 3/46. Jehan Daniel 1/34, Thisaru Dilshan 1/37.
Sri Lanka U19 38/1 (8) Lasith Croospulle 14.
 and Jonathan Marlo (100*) helped Australia to 309, as the visitors were 38 for the loss of 1 wicket, handing the Australian young guns the edge at the end of day one.){kind=link}