Jaques 'dirty' despite ton
Phil Jaques admitted he had his eye on a much bigger score after being dismissed for 150 on the opening day against Sri Lanka.
Last Updated: 17/11/07 11:23am
Australian opener Phil Jaques admitted he had his eye on an even bigger score after being dismissed for 150 on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka.
The New South Welshman, who also scored a century in the first Test, helped Australia pile up 329-3 after Ricky Ponting opted to bat first in Hobart.
But Jaques fell to Sanath Jayasuriya's left-arm spin during the evening session for exactly 150, while Michael Hussey - with whom he shared a 152-run, third-wicket stand - finished the day unbeaten on 101.
Dirty
"I think all batters get dirty when they get out just after 100 and I really wanted to make a big hundred today," he said.
"But was it enough? Well it is never enough and I think all batters get dirty when they get out and I was as dirty as anyone when I got out today."
Jaques was made to work hard for his runs early on, playing and missing frequently against the new ball before blossoming later in the day to complete the second Test century of his fledgling international career.
"I suppose after that first little period in that first hour where it seamed around a little bit I wanted to be a bit more positive and have a little bit more intent and back myself a bit more," he added.
"After that I expressed myself better and it worked out pretty good."
Despite his superb start to the Australian season, Jaques remains uncertain if he has done enough to cement his future as Matthew Hayden's opening partner.
"I'm not too sure, mate," he said. "I suppose it's one for the selectors.
"At the end of the day I just want to make a big contribution to the Australian team and help us win the series."