Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten half-century and persistent rain in Galle delayed Australia's push for victory in the opening test against Sri Lanka on Friday. Only a 27-over session was possible on day three with Sri Lanka losing two wickets and slumping to 136-5 before rain stopped play.

Incessant afternoon rain forced an early end to day three of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka on Friday, with the visitors leading by 518 and former home skipper Dinesh Chandimal waging a lone battle on 63.

Australia's pursuit of victory in the first test against Sri Lanka was delayed by rain in Galle. Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten half-century provided some resistance despite Sri Lanka's significant deficit.

Rain slows Australia's progress on day three of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle as only two wickets fall.

GALLE: Australia’s momentum-filled bowling attack was left frustrated as the adamant rain washed out the final two sessions of the third day of their ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka here at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.

After dominating the first two and a half days of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, Australia found itself battling an unexpected adversary — Galle’s unpredictable sub-tropical weather.

Dinesh Chandimal has scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136-5 at lunch on Day 3 in reply to Australia's imposing first innings of 654 in the first cricket test.

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. Th