SL vs AUS: Australia left frustrated on Day 3 as rain saves Sri Lanka in Galle

Australia were left frustrated on Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka with rain playing spoilsport in Galle on Friday, January 31. The second and third sessions of the day was completely washed out as the visitors’ bid to make inroads was halted by the adverse weather conditions.

The hosts are still with a mountain to climb to avoid follow-on but ended up losing Kamindu Mendis and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva during the first session of the day before Dinesh Chandimal provided some resistance with a well-compiled 63. Chandimal was left to play a lone hand as the Sri Lankan top-order struggled to make an impact with the bat. After a dismal performance with the bat on Day 2, Sri Lanka started the day on 44 for 3 with Chandimal and Mendis in the middle.

SL vs AUS 1st Test, Day 3: Highlights | Scorecard

Chandimal was initially pinned down by Nathan Lyon, who started things for Australia with the ball alongside Mitchell Starc. However, the Sri Lankan batter decided to use the technique used by the Aussies against the spinners and decided to take the attack to Lyon.

What followed was a fascinating battle between both men as Lyon continued to target the footmarks while Chandimal was using the sweep to good effect to get a boundary off the spinner. He had some luck go his way as an outside edge off his bat just past the outstretched hand of Steve Smith in slips. The Sri Lankan batter would then cap off the over with a reverse sweep to ensure the hosts were off to a solid start.

Tame, reckless dismissals haunt Sri Lanka again

The happiness for the hosts was short-lived, however, as they would lose Kamindu Mendis soon. A ball down the leg-side found a fine tickle off the bat of the Sri Lankan star and he was caught by Alex Carey. This wouldn’t break Chandimal’s concentration as he remained defiant and unfazed, despite being hit on the midriff by a short delivery by Starc.

Chandimal thought he had found the right partner in Dhananjaya as the duo ensured Sri Lanka went past the 100-run mark. However, recklessness would creep into the game of the Sri Lankan skipper who went for a wild shot that found him a mile down the track and gifting a wicket to Matt Kuhnemann.

Chandimal got to his fifty in 91 balls before Australia’s momentum was halted by rain. Sri Lanka were 136 for 5 before rain saved them on the day. Australia ended the day with a lead of 518 runs but may have been left frustrated that rain halted their momentum in the end.

Published On:

Jan 31, 2025



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