Sri Lanka v Australia second Test day three as it happened: Australian spinners thrive in Galle

Well, that’s that for day three, Jayasuriya is gone for six and Smith’s decision to put Kuhnemann into bowl on the last over was perfectly timed.

That is the end of the session and with just Nishan and Kumara left it’s highly unlikely Sri Lanka set a chase of anything near 100.

We can expect two quick wickets early tomorrow and then the game highly likely to be tied up on day four for Australia.

There was a brief feeling that maybe Sri Lanka could do something particularly with the batting of Angelo Mathews, but after his dismissal on 76, the resistance was lost.

Great captaincy from Steve Smith who shuffled his bowlers perfectly. Galle once again proves to be the spinner’s stage to shine on.

Thank you for your company today.

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia celebrates after taking a catch to dismiss Ramesh Mendis of Sri LankaCredit: Getty Images

It has been very difficult to get to 200, but Sri Lanka have done it. Mendis is up to 43 from 44 deliveries and once he is despatched, it could be very quick work for the Australian spinners.

The Sri Lanka tail has not been great so far, and there’s no reason why it will wag now.

Sri Lanka are in survival mode until stumps.

Sri Lanka 202-7 (after 60 overs)

Nathan Lyon of Australia appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of Kusal MendisCredit: Getty Images

Lovely rotation of the bowlers from Steve Smith and the fresh offspin of Beau Webster gets Ramesh Mendis for a duck.

It’s not looking good in the last overs for Sri Lanka and it all stems from Mathews wicket. The confidence in the batting lineup that was briefly there has gone.

That was nearly two wickets from two balls for the big man, who nearly takes a diving catch off his own bowling.

Sri Lanka 7-199 (after 58 overs)

Kusal Mendis of Sri Lanka batsCredit: Getty Images

A big wicket for Nathan Lyon with Sri Lanka’s danger man Angelo Mathews gone for a battling 76 and with him, you sense any hope of the home side’s resistance.

That is the end of Sri Lanka’s last recognised batting partnership and it was ended by another brilliant Beau Webster catch at fine leg.

Mathews will be disappointed with his shot selection after playing so well.

That’s a big moment so late on day three for Australia.

Sri Lanka will really want to get to stumps without giving away another wicket.

Sri Lanka 6-198 (after 57 overs)

Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka bats during day three Credit: Getty Images

Starc is in and bowling at pace, but Mathews is not in a rush to leave. Mendis looking good on 31 from 33 deliveries.

If these two can keep batting, they can at the very least, make it a contest. But what a mountain to climb. Sri Lanka know they need to set a chase of at least 150 runs, and that’s looking unlikely.

But this is at least a fightback with the bat.

Sri Lanka 182-5 (after 53 overs)

Dhananjaya de Silva of Sri Lanka is caught out by Steve SmithCredit: Getty Images

It’s a long old day of Test cricket with the Australian spinners looking a bit fatigued. Mendis and Mathews have done what few have done before them in the Sri Lankan team, built a half decent partnership.

Mathews is on 64 and working very hard, with Mendis on 27 from 26 balls, setting a big pace.

Sri Lanka have a lead of 16 runs and as things stand, it will be a quick run chase, but with these two men in, it will at least be more of a fight.

That could be ended with Starc coming in now with the ball. He will be itching to get a wicket.

Sri Lanka 5-150 (after 48 overs)

Matthew Kuhnemann of Australia celebrates after taking the wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva Credit: Getty Images

Sri Lanka have very gingerly moved into the lead by one run, helped in no small part by Mathews and his battling 59 and Mendis who got down on one knee to slog a much-needed six.

Every run is precious in Galle and it is hard-earned.

Sri Lanka 163-5 (after 48 overs)

Australia’s Steven Smith celebrates taking a catch to dismiss Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de SilvaCredit: AP