Joe Burns and Travis Head both made centuries as Australia took command of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Canberra.

In the first Test to be played at the Manuka Oval, Burns ended the opening day unbeaten on 172, after Head was dismissed for 161, with the hosts reaching 384 for four at stumps.

Much has been made of Australia’s batting woes and, despite winning the toss, they appeared in real danger of another slump after three wickets fell for just 28 runs.

Marcus Harris (11) and Usman Khawaja (0) were both dismissed by Vishwa Fernando, while Marnus Labuschagne was out for just six.

But Burns, who was dropped on one, and Head steadied the Australian ship with a remarkable partnership of 308, the highest in any series played between Australia and Sri Lanka. Burns’ knock was also the highest of his Test career.

Fernando, the pick of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, removed Head to end the day with figures of three for 99.

But Kurtis Patterson joined Burns at the crease and scored 25 to leave Australia, who hold a 1-0 series lead, in the overnight driving seat.