Live Cricket Score of Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 3 at Pallekele

The trio of Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep and Rangana Herath shared the spoils between them to restrict Australia's lead to 86 runs on Day 2 of the first Test played in Pallekele. Despite Sri Lanka's admirable fightback, the tourists would fancy their chances of winning the Test. To make matters worse for the hosts, their gamble of sending Kusal Perera to open the innings along with Kaushal Silva backfired as Mitchell Starc removed the left-hander just before tea.

Adam Voges (47) turned out to be the mainstay of Australia's batting effort. He and Mitchell Marsh (31) chiselled out a vital stand of 60 for the fifth wicket. Unfortunately, rain again played spoilsport on Day 2, and the third session was washed off.

The Sri Lankan think-tank would hope that the misfiring middle-order batsmen can make substantial contributions. The onus will be firmly on Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal to shore up the innings. Their opponents would look to make inroads with the new ball in order to snuff out the home team for a cheap score. It has to be noted that the visitors will bat last on a turning track. Today, too, rain threat looms over over the highly anticipated day's play.