Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd Test - Live Cricket Score, Commentary

Series: Australia tour of Sri Lanka, 2016 Venue: Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo Date & Time: Aug 13-Aug 17, 10:00 AM LOCAL

Hello and welcome to the final day of the three-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia. Courtesy a fighting ton by Kaushal Silva, the hosts managed to take control of the contest that was hanging in balance for most parts of the first four days. They have taken a 288-run lead and are likely to declare their innings. If Australia's dismal batting performance continues in the second innings as well, Sri Lanka could be well on their way of inflicting an innings defeat. We will bring you the live updates of the fifth and final day of the third Test.

Play has started with Sri Lanka's overnight batsmen Suranga Lakmal and Dhananjaya de Silva walking out to resume the innings. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood are opening the attack for Australia. With a lead of 288, it would've been a good time for the hosts to have declared their innings and open up the contest for a result.

Herath gets Smith - 5 times Starc gets Dimuth & Kusal M - 5 times each!

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Australians are finding novel ways to get out. Moises Henriques, who was looking totally out of sorts is left clueless after edging the ball. Angelo Mathews ensures that he hits the stump before the batsman returns to the crease. Sri Lanka are five wickets away from a famous whitewash.

Mitchell marsh drives the first two deliveries of Rangana Herath's over for boundaries. It doesn't take time for the wily spinner to have his momentum as he manages to tease the batsman with flight and decieve him with the turn to get an outside edge of his bat. The bowler gives a long stare to the batsman. Herath now has 24 wickets in the series - joint highest with Mitchell Starc.

Yet another five-wicket haul for the veteran left-arm spinner has sunk Australia's charge. Mitchell Starc, looking to slog the spinner towards the mid wicket region ends up top edging the ball. Four people run for the catch, but in the end, it is Kusal Perera who takes the catch.

Nathan Lyon goes for another sweep, but misses it this time. Rangana Herath traps him plumb in front. Up goes the umpire's finger as celebrations begin at Colombo's SSC stadium.Coming into the series, Australia were awarded the Test Championship mace. Steve Smith hadn't lost a single match as captain. But as the three matches unfolded there is a different story to tell. Rangana Herath, the wrecker-in-chief, led the charge yet again, finishing with seven wickets in the innings and 13 in the match to help Sri Lanka win by 163 runs. Even as the hosts dominated the scoreline, the contest between the two sides was absorbing. Australia have been handed their fifth Test series whitewash.