Sydney, Jan 5 (IANS): Captain Michael Clarke posted the highest Test score at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) while Mike Hussey struck the third century of the innings to take Australia to a massive 583 for four in the first innings, in reply to India's 191, at lunch on the third day of the second cricket Test here Thursday.

Clarke was batting on 293 and Hussey on 111, and their 258-run unbroken stand for the fifth wicket stretched Australia's first innings lead by 392 runs after a dominating first session's play.

Clarke, with a drive forward of point for four, surpassed Englishman Reg Foster's 287 at the SCG in 1903-04.

Hussey also joined the party and brought up his 16th Test century just before lunch off part-time off-spinner Virender Sehwag.

Australia resumed the day at 482 for four and none of the two batsmen were in a hurry. Both Clarke and Hussey took their own time to find their way.

Clarke has now passed V.V.S. Laxman 281 to become the highest run scorer in Tests between Australia and India.