Australia are beginning to slip behind against Sri Lanka coming into Day 4 of the first Test, in what has been a rain-interrupted opening to the series. Join The Roar from 2:15pm (AEST) for all the live highlights and action.
Day 1 was an Aussie onslaught, Day 2 saw the Sri Lankans ruffle the visitors’ feathers but ultimately head into the sheds with a deficit, but not to be on Day 3.
It was all about Kusal Mendis yesterday, as he guided the Lankans towards a 196-run lead in yet another day of cricket marred by rain.
A maiden Test century for Mendis, which sees him unbeaten on 169, has put his side in prime position with four wickets in hand.
The next highest score in the top five for Sri Lanka was just nine, as Mendis flirted with the oldest record in cricket’s long history: to score the highest percentage of a team’s total by one player.
Sitting precariously at 2-6 in the first over of the day, Sri Lanka looked to be heading the way of their first innings effort, but the Australians just couldn’t break through the stern walls of the home side’s middle order.
In tough conditions, they racked up 137 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the second session alone.
A rough day for the tourists’ attack, but a second scalp for the innings was enough to bring up 200 career wickets for Nathan Lyon, becoming the first Australian off spinner to do so.
While things are slowly getting worse for Australia, Sri Lanka have shown that batting may just be getting easier as the weather clears and the pitch begins to age. But then again, this has been a special feat from Mendis, as the rest of his side has continued to falter.
Whatever the case may be, if this lead extends beyond 200 and over 250, Australia could be looking at a very tough run chase late in Day 4 and into Day 5.
It’s all about early wickets for the visitors as they try to wrestle back the contest, but Sri Lanka are in the box seat, and if they can bat through the first session and past lunch, they should have one hand on the win.
Johnno
Guest
Damo sri lanka should of agreed to floodlights being used in this test and the other ground, despite not all 3 having floodlights, there argument was weak, and it would suit Australia's interests and aussie tv broadcasters interests who want to make money to have an inconsistent series with some floodlights used and others not existing, and the Sri Lankan batsmen will just have to adapt to floodlights.
Damo
Guest
What? Sri Lanka are to blame for the sun? My lord, some people. I guess with all that money they have sitting around and being an extremely wealthy nation they should have built a whole new stadium for the messiah that is Aussie cricket. Bad tactics from Sri Lanka not to have a deal with the sun...
The Bush
Roar Guru
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. You have your moments of comic genius Johnno!
The Bush
Roar Guru
Warner's. He's proving again that outside Aus or RSA he struggles. As the other senior "world class" bat he should be setting these innings up.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Great opportunity for Nevill and Marsh to prove they belong at this level with the bat!
Custard Cream
Guest
Is Voges the only Aus batsman who's played first class overseas? Because at the moment he looks like the only Test batsman out there. NB yes I'm English and yes obviously we'll get stuffed next time out in Oz, but still it's a valid question - teams seem to be shocking away from home.
Frederick the Englishman
Guest
What on earth happened to the best attack in Test cricket?? Ronan???
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Other than Pat Cummins first and only test, when did the Aussies last chase down a total abroad? Anybody know?
Johnno
Guest
Blame sri lanka for the bad light. At start of series, both teams sat down to discuss match rules. Rules are both teams have to agree to flood lights being used. Australia agreed, Sri Lanka didn't before series started. There argument was not all 3 tests have floodlights available, so therefore all 3 tests when bad light happens it will stop play. Stupid tactics by Sri Lanka.
Nudge
Guest
From what I can see with the weather it looks pretty good for tomor. Sunshine from 10 till 2.30 which would nearly be enough for a result
Scott Pryde
Expert
Unfortunately, this could be headed for a draw with rain still around. If they get on though, tomorrow is going to be a real cracker of a day I feel. Australia can't win it in the first hour (or the second) but they can sure as hell lose it.
jamesb
Guest
All three possibilities are still in play with one day to go. Either side can win it, but it could also be a washout.
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Nice work connor
Johnno
Guest
Herath is a demon on 5th day wickets.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
The state of each day's play, the Aussies only have to last 2 sessions. Unfortunately, I'd say that's beyond them. SOK might not be able to come out at all. So whose get out (GTFO) shot was worse. Khawaja's or Warner's?
Connor Bennett
Editor
And that's it!! Play has been called off for Day Four Another disappointing dreary ending to a day in this test. Sri Lanka are still on top you'd have to say, but you can't count out the Aussies with Smith and Voges at the crease, still needing 185 runs to win with 7 wickets in hand.
Connor Bennett
Editor
We know it was a light issue before the tea break, but there is very little news coming out of anywhere to suggest possible inspection times, or call offs or anything. All is quiet inside Pallekele.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Nothing new to report unfortunately. Time is running out for any more play today but there's still hope
Connor Bennett
Editor
There doesn't seem to be much, if any, rain surrounding the stadium, but these dark grey clouds are just smothering the light.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Well the scheduled play should have been back on, but it seems the light is still an issue