Dinesh Chandimal scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136 for five at lunch Friday in response to Australia’s imposing first innings of 654 for six declared. A rain-curtailed morning session on Day 3 of the first test did little to ease Sri Lanka's woes,

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

After what was a batting collapse on Day 2 for Sri Lanka, the home side will be looking to pose a better answer in front of the Australia bowling attack featuring the likes of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Travis Head will replace Sam Konstas as Usman Khawaja's opening partner in the first test against Sri Lanka at Galle on Wednesday, Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith said on the eve of the match.

Australia are coming off a really strong Test match series victory over India, so they'll be confident of keeping the good times going in Sri Lanka. Of course, playing away from home is always a challenge.

Australia’s batters have feasted on Sri Lanka’s bowling, racking up milestones and dominance on a rain-curtailed opening day of the first test in Galle.

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.