Despite a bright start by Australia's attack, Sri Lanka's blushes were spared by the rain, as the final two sessions of day three in Galle were washed out.

With a mammoth target to aim for, Sri Lanka's hopes of winning the first Test were already looking slim before Australia ripped through their top order on Thursday.

Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis steadied the ship in the early stages for the hosts, neatly matching up against Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon, who both claimed a wicket on Thursday.

Chandimal went on the attack, notching 63, including nine fours, however, Mendis fell in tame fashion to Starc (2-13) for just 15 as Sri Lanka's patient start was halted.

Dhananjaya de Silva's introduction looked like another turning point for the hosts, only to miss a short and wide delivery and be stumped by a mile.

Chandimal and Kusal Mendis (10) were relieved by the sight of rain, with Sri Lanka being stopped at 136-5, trailing by 518 runs.

Rain continues to have the final say here at the GICS, Galle. Early stumps called for Day 3. #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/npMY5Yk1Or

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 31, 2025

Data Debrief: Rain saves the day

Despite some promise from Sri Lanka, Australia will still feel that the first Test is in their hands given their strong first innings.

Chandimal impressively held his nerve for the hosts though, and after reaching his half-century off 91 balls, he looks a steady influence in Galle.

They did lose two more wickets though, as Starc and Matthew Kuhnemann (2-48), who also took the opening wicket of the innings, kept the tourists in control despite playing just 27 overs on Friday.