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.

Australia look set to consider enforcing the follow-on after a rainy third day of the series opener against Sri Lanka in Galle.

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.

Australia has been all over Sri Lanka in the first Test, but persistent rain has all but washed out Day 3 - and given the hosts a chance to escape with a draw.

Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis were relieved by the sight of rain, with Sri Lanka being stopped at 136-5, trailing by 518 runs

Dinesh Chandimal has scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136-5 at lunch on Day 3 in reply to Australia's imposing first innings of 654 in the first cricket test.