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.

Sri Lanka is staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest ever total in Asia — 654-6 declared — on day two of the first test in Galle.

Rain ruined Australia’s hopes of moving in for the kill against Sri Lanka on day three of the first Test in Galle but

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.

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.