Bad light and rain wreaked havoc yet again in the final session of Day 4 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia. From a backs-to-the-wall situation, Sri Lanka fought back through Kusal Mendis's magnificent effort, who scored 176. There was also a handy cameo from Rangana Herath (35) down the order as the hosts finished at 353, with a commanding lead of 267.
The purchase from the wicket didn't change Australia's approach, as they looked to get quick runs. The Lankan spinners – Herath, Lakshan Sandakan and Dilruwan Perera – got a wicket each. Steve Smith (25 not out) and Adam Voges (9 not out) were at the crease when the players came off shortly after tea, with the score at 83/3. Australia need a further 185 runs to win the match and have seven wickets in hand.
Mendis only added seven runs to his overnight score of 169. His partners tried to do the same and didn't last long. Herath's batting, fearless and uncompromising, yielded useful runs for Sri Lanka. All the tailenders chipped in with runs and stretched the total to 353. As Australia came out to chase 268, David Warner had yet another no-show as he was foxed by Herath's straighter one. Usman Khawaja played a couple of fine drives off Nuwan Pradeep before Perera removed him. The first-wicket partnerships in the match average 4.2.
Rain interrupted play for a brief period and Joe Burns, who showed aggressive intent early on, withdrew into a shell. Sandakan castled the Australian opener, picking up his fifth wicket of the match. Smith and the prolific Voges then set about rebuilding the innings when play was called off. Pallekelle is a pitch where batting gets easier as days progress. Younis Khan led Pakistan to an improbable fourth-innings chase last year. The match is in the balance. Early wickets in the first session would swing the pendulum firmly in Angelo Mathews's side's favour.
Brief score:
Sri Lanka 117 and 353 (Kusal Mendis 176, Dinesh Chandimal 42; Mitchell Starc 4/84, Josh Hazlewood 2/59) lead Australia 203 and 83/3 (Joe Burns 29, Steve Smith 26*; Lakshan Sandakan 1/13, Dilruwan Perera 1/19) by 185 runs.