Rain and bad light brought an early end to the third day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia at Pallekele Thursday after an unbeaten century from Kusal Mendis brought the hosts back into contention.
Sri Lanka were 282 for six at close, leading by 196 runs in their second innings. Mendis, who notched up his maiden Test ton, was unbeaten on 169.
Nathan Lyon, who became Australia's first off-spinner to bag 200 wickets in Tests, and Mitchell Starc took two wickets apiece during the Sri Lankan innings in a match which looks evenly poised.
Rain brought a premature end to proceedings for the third consecutive afternoon with the game expected to begin early on the fourth day to make up for lost time.
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 117 and 282-6 in 80 overs (Kusal Mendis 169 not out, Dinesh Chandimal 42; Mitchell Starc 2-44, Nathan Lyon 2-94)
Australia 203 all out in 79.2 overs (Adam Voges 47; Rangana Herath 4-49, Lakshan Sandakan 4-58)
1st Test: Kusal Mendis Ton Puts Sri Lanka in Command Versus Australia
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Kusal Mendis scored his maiden Test hundred and was unbeaten on 169 when rains brought an early end to the third day's play
Kusal Mendis notched up his maiden Test ton and helped Sri Lanka impose a lead of 196 runs.© AFP
Highlights
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Sri Lanka reached 282 for six at close of play, with a lead of 196 runs
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Nathan Lyon became Australia's first off-spinner to claim 200 wickets
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Lyon and Mitchell Starc took two wickets apiece