Sri Lanka is staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest ever total in Asia — 654-6 declared — on day two of the first test in Galle.

Rex Clementine in Galle Sri Lanka were in dire straits, having lost the cream of their batting lineup for peanuts and limped to 44 for three at stumps on day two, in reply to Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 654 for six declared.

GALLE: Australia’s momentum-filled bowling attack was left frustrated as the adamant rain washed out the final two sessions of the third day of their ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka here at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.

After what was a batting collapse on Day 2 for Sri Lanka, the home side will be looking to pose a better answer in front of the Australia bowling attack featuring the likes of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Dinesh Chandimal has scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136-5 at lunch on Day 3 in reply to Australia's imposing first innings of 654 in the first cricket test.

Australia's menacing attack was left frustrated after the final two sessions of day three were washed out as Sri Lanka had respite from a Galle surface starting to play tricks. Th