Australia chip away as Sri Lanka seek runs

Silva’s 115, his third Test century, powered the home side to 312-8 on a wicket beginning to demonstrate plenty of turn, meaning Australia can expect a prompt declaration on day five, followed by a battle to survive against the spin that has left them helpless on this tour.

“We don’t want to declare”, he said.

Having conceded a slender first-innings lead to the Aussies, the islanders needed a strong batting display to ensure at least a draw from the match and they began day four on 22-1.

“If we have a really good target like 350 or more then we put them out of the game, so that’s what we need to do”, he told reporters.

He shared in a pivotal 90-run sixth-wicket partnership with Dinesh Chandimal (43) that lifted some pressure after their first-session stumble.

Even if Australia take two quick wickets to start day five it will take something special to claim a consolation win on a wearing Sinhalese Sports Club strip.

In reply to another query, Gilchrist replied: “I think it’s ok”.

A gutsy dig from Kaushal Silva steered Sri Lanka on Tuesday, the diminutive batsman 78 not out at the break in a resolute innings from 198 balls.

Lyon very almost claimed another wicket in Silva, but the opener successfully reviewed an lbw decision in his favour.

Australian wicketkeeper Peter Nevill has hit back at those questioning whether his controversial stumping of Sri Lankan batsman Dimuth Karunaratne was “in the spirit” of cricket.

Perera, who scored 24, was undone by a side angle replay after a front-on view had been inconclusive and the third umpire overturned the decision.

Australia continued to chip away at the wickets column as Starc trapped Kusal Mendis (18) LBW.

Herath, who took ten wickets in the first Test and a hat-trick in the second, both of which his team won, was again the key as Sri Lanka fought back, returning 6 for 81.

Kusal Perera, the new batsman, took four balls to get his first run, but scored 23 from his next 20 balls as he played a typically aggressive knock.

Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath led the attack, snaring six wickets, with Australia all out for 379 in response to Sri Lanka’s 355.