Australia finally looked close to countering their woes with spin as they ended the second day of the third Test at 141/1, trailing Sri Lanka by 214 runs. Dinesh Chandimal (132) took over from where Dhananjaya de Silva (129) left, and with the help of a battling tail, took the hosts' score to 355. Michell Starc continued to grow from strength to strength in the series, taking 5/63. In reply, Shaun Marsh (64 not out) and Steve Smith (61 not out) built an unbeaten 120-run stand to take their team to safety.
Australia rang in the changes after slumping to eight consecutive losses on Asian soil and brought back the older Marsh, who was solid after David Warner departed early. Smith joined in and played risk-free cricket, blunting the Lankan spinners. After Sri Lanka's alarming slump in the first hour of the day's play, which saw them being reduced to 132/5, batting had become easier on the surface. The ground has traditionally been a batsman's haven over the years.
De Silva didn't last long, but Chandimal cranked up the scoring after playing the sheet anchor's role in the mammoth partnership. The vice-captain was in his element and slammed many boundaries. After playing a wonderful supporting hand, the hosts had a scare when Rangana Herath retired hurt.
After Warner threw his wicket early on, the Aussies dropped anchor. They were watchful against spin and were happy to wait for the bad balls. The Lankans could still make a comeback in the game.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka: 355 (Dhananjaya de Silva 129, Dinesh Chandimal 132 Mitchell Starc 5 for 63, Nathan Lyon 3 for 110) lead Australia 141/1 (Shaun Marsh 64 not out, Steve Smith 61 not out; Dhananjaya de Silva 1 for 20) by 214 runs.
