SL vs AUS 1st Test, Day 3: Australia still in control despite Chandimal resistance and rain interruption

The third day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia was could not be played in full due to rain, with only 27 overs possible. This was a sigh of relief for Sri Lanka, who continued to struggle against the Australian bowling attack and had lost half their side, while still behind by 518 runs against Australia's first innings' total.

The Australian team was very much in control going into the third day of the match since they had already put up a huge total on the board, declaring on a score of 654 for 6 thanks to the three centurions in Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, and Josh Inglis. The home side continued to struggle with the bat as well on the following day and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, losing Kamindu Mendis and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva early.

The only batter forming some resistance in the Sri Lankan innings so far is Dinesh Chandimal who is currently unbeaten on a score of 63 off 115 deliveries and is batting with wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, batting alongside Chandimal on 10 off 25 balls. Though it looked like the Lankans would get bowled out sooner or later, the rain gods made sure that the match did not continue any further.

Aussie bowlers keeping it tight 

The Australian bowlers have so far done a tremendous job, getting two big wickets before the interruption due to rain. Mitchell Starc and Matthew Kuhnemann have been the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets apiece. Starc managed to get the in-form Kamindu Mendis and experienced Dimuth Karunaratne, while Kuhnemann got the better of Oshada Fernando and the Sri Lankan skipper.

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The day might have not seen a lot of cricket due to the weather, but the Aussies are very much in control of the game and will be looking to get the last five batters as soon as possible on day four on the other hand Chandimal and Mendis would want to continue the resistance and make sure they get their side back in the game.