Rain delays Australia’s push for victory as Sri Lanka show resilience

Australia’s push for victory was delayed after rain washed out the final two sessions of the third day, giving Sri Lanka a much-needed break. At stumps, Sri Lanka were 136 for 5, still trailing Australia by 518 runs in the first Test match at Galle.

Australia had earlier dominated the game, declaring their first innings at a massive 654 for 6. However, Sri Lanka managed to hold their ground on day three, with Dinesh Chandimal unbeaten on 63, as he fought bravely against Australia’s bowlers. Kusal Mendis was with him at the crease on 10.

The day began with bright conditions, and 27 overs were bowled before unexpected rain interrupted play just before lunch. With no further action possible, stumps were called two hours earlier than scheduled, leaving both teams frustrated by the weather. 

Despite the rain, Australia remains in a strong position to claim victory. However, the wet weather has offered Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope, and with rain forecasted for Saturday, the game could potentially head towards a draw. Clear skies are expected on the fifth day, which may provide Australia with the chance to push for a result.

Sri Lanka started the day at 44 for 3, still needing 410 more runs to avoid the follow-on. The responsibility of reducing the deficit fell on Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis, who had been in good form in recent Tests. However, the Sri Lankan batting faced a tough challenge against Australia’s experienced bowlers, including Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Starc, who had already taken a wicket on day two, was in good rhythm, finding some swing and causing the ball to explode off the surface. Lyon, meanwhile, was hard to get away, and a battle ensued between him and Chandimal. Despite Lyon’s tight bowling, Chandimal took an aggressive approach, frequently sweeping and even hitting Lyon to the boundary.

Chandimal survived a near chance when he edged Lyon’s delivery past Steven Smith at first slip, but luck was on his side. Later, he reverse swept Lyon to the boundary, demonstrating his attacking intent. Despite a few close calls, he was looking strong, but Sri Lanka’s innings was broken when Kamindu Mendis fell for just 15, caught off Starc.

Chandimal continued to hold firm, even after a blow to the midriff from a short delivery by Starc. He partnered with captain Dhananjaya de Silva to add some much-needed runs, but once again, Sri Lanka’s progress was halted by poor decision-making. De Silva was dismissed when he tried to attack left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and was stumped after missing a wide delivery.

Kuhnemann, who had already picked up a wicket in the second day, continued his strong performance with the ball. Meanwhile, Chandimal reached a well-earned half-century off 91 balls. Just as Sri Lanka began to rebuild, rain intervened again, providing them with a reprieve.

As the day ended, Australia’s bowlers were left frustrated, but they remain in the driver’s seat heading into the final two days of the match.