Australia have extended their lead over Sri Lanka to 101 runs, dominating the first Test in Galle thanks to strong displays from Cameron Green and Alex Carey.
In reply to Sri Lanka’s 212, Australia reached stumps on day 2 on 313/8 with Pat Cummins on 26 and Nathan Lyon not out on 8.
Dangerman Green was out lbw to Ramesh Mendis for 77 after missing a sweep shot to the spinner.
Just three balls after Green’s dismissal, Mitchell Starc was out for 10 caught and bowled by Jeffrey Vandersay.
Earlier, opener Usman Khawaja hit a gritty half-century to help Australia take the lead against Sri Lanka on a rain-hit second day.
The day was re-scheduled to two sessions and 59 overs instead of the usual 90, light and weather permitting.
The tourists, who resumed on 98/3, lost Travis Head on his overnight six with off-spinner Dhananjaya de Silva getting the left-hander caught and bowled.
Debutant leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay finally dispatched Khawaja, caught at short leg, for his maiden Test wicket.
Carey made a quickfire 45 but was caught soon after tea by Dinesh Chandimal to give Ramesh Mendis his third wicket of the innings.
Ferocious winds battered Galle this morning, upending broadcast equipment and one of the sight screens at the ground.
The makeshift roof of one of the ground’s smaller stands was also brought down by the storm.
Nathan Lyon led the Australian charge yesterday with his 20th Test five-wicket haul, which helped bowl out Sri Lanka in the final session of play for 212.
