GALLE: Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal was waging a lone battle on 63 with Australia ahead by 518 runs and tightening their grip on the first Test before rain forced early lunch Friday. The hosts were 136-5 by the first break on day three in Galle with wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis also at the crease on 10 after losing two more wickets overnight.

Australia maintained their dominance in Galle on the rain-hit Day 3 of the ongoing opening Test against Sri Lanka. The hosts were reduced to 136/5, trailing by a massive 518 runs, when rain interrupted play in the morning session. The inclement weather continued, entirely washing out the second and third sessions.

Usman Khawaja's double century, complemented by emphatic hundreds from Steve Smith and debutant Josh Inglis, propelled Australia to an unprecedented score in Galle. Declaring at 654/6, they left Sri Lanka struggling at 44/3,

Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal was waging a lone battle on 63 with Australia ahead by 518 runs and tightening their grip on the first test before rain forced early lunch Friday.

Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva were dismissed owing to their own recklessness before rain forced an early lunch