AUS Vs SL: Australia’s push for quick wickets was interrupted as rain provided a lifeline for Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the opening Test at Galle International Stadium. The Aussies maintain a commanding lead of 518 runs.
Rain forced an early end to the first session on Day 3, but Sri Lanka found some encouragement in their performance, which could be considered their strongest of the match so far. With 92 runs off 27 overs and only two wickets down, they demonstrated the resilience and determination needed. Though it was not the most fluent display, but they served as a crucial foundation in their bid to turn the tide. As play resumes tomorrow, Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on this momentum and keep Australia at arm’s length.
Sri Lanka were in a precarious position when Day 3 kicked off, resuming at 44/3 in reply to Australia’s massive total of 654/6.
Following the resumption, Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis displayed aggressive intent for Sri Lanka, but their progress was short lived. Mendis’ innings came to an unlucky end when Mitchell Starc caught him down the leg side.
Dinesh Chandimal then received valuable support from captain Dhananjaya de Silva, and the pair put together a resilient 40-run partnership, one that held promise for Sri Lanka with few risks involved.
Following the drinks break, Dhananjaya de Silva was fell for Matthew Kuhnemann, only to be stumped by Alex Carey for 22 runs.
Through it all, Dinesh Chandimal remained stood, playing confidently and overcoming the early setbacks to bring up a well-deserved half-century. At that point, the responsibility of the innings rested entirely on his shoulders as he looks to stage a fightback alongside Kusal Mendis. The hosts will now be hoping this partnership can steer them to safer territory.
Australia’s spinners and seamers have both bowled effectively, persistently searching for wickets. With half of Sri Lanka’s batting order back in the dressing room for just 136 runs, Australia will likely adopt an aggressive approach tomorrow, looking to break this partnership.
At the close of play, Dinesh Chandimal remained not out on 63, while wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis was on 10. Sri Lanka finished the day at 136/5, with Australia holding a commanding lead of 518 runs.
The deficit stands at a huge 518 runs, but whether the follow-on will be imposed depends entirely on how quickly the Aussies manage to take the remaining 5 wickets.
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