Rain saves Sri Lanka from further damage

Australia's menacing attack was left frustrated after the final two sessions of day three were washed out as Sri Lanka had respite from a Galle surface starting to play tricks.

The day started amid sunny conditions and 27 overs were bowled before rain cascaded on the ground out of nowhere just before lunch. There was no further play for the remainder of the day, with stumps called more than two hours ahead of schedule.

In response to Australia's massive first-innings of 654 for 6 declared, Sri Lanka were 136 for 5 at stumps with Dinesh Chandimal playing a lone hand so far with an attractive 63 not out. Kusal Mendis is unbeaten on 10.

Australia are still in the box seat to claim victory in the first Test after dominating the opening seven sessions of the match. But the wet weather has added intrigue and given Sri Lanka hope of escaping with a draw. Rain is forecast for Saturday, but clear weather is expected on the fifth day.

The pitch had been mostly benign over the opening two days with sharp turn negated by the slowness of the surface. But it did start showing signs of wear in the morning session with several cracks notable and the ball occasionally exploded off the surface.

After such a dismal performance by the top-order, where they lost three wickets within 10 overs late on day two, Sri Lanka resumed on 44 for 3 and still 410 runs away from the follow-on.Their hopes of chiselling into that target rested on Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, who entered with an average of 74 from 10 Tests since debuting against Australia on the ground in 2022. In that match, Chandimal scored 206 not out in a big victory for Sri Lanka.

They were confronted by the old guard of left-arm quick Mitchell Starc and offspinner Nathan Lyon starting in tandem having each claimed a wicket on the previous evening. Starc, attired in long sleeves, found some swing and also helped deepen the emerging footmarks.

Chandimal was pinned down initially by Lyon. But perhaps having closely studied Australia's first-innings playbook, Chandimal decided to go on the attack against Lyon who loomed as Australia's talisman having had little to do in the pace-dominated home series against India.

A fascinating battle emerged as Lyon bowled from around the wicket aiming at the developing footmarks. Chandimal was undaunted as he unfurled the sweep to good effect and clubbed Lyon to the boundary.

He enjoyed luck on the next delivery when he edged past stand-in skipper Steven Smith's outstretched left hand at first slip in the type of tough chance he has often snaffled in his career.