Chandimal's unbeaten century puts Sri Lanka in control of second Test
Mathews, Chandimal motor along confidently
Sri Lanka may have lost Kusal Mendis early on Day 3 but that did not deter them from chipping at Australia's lead. Drawing from their considerable experience, the veteran duo of Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal frustrated the visiting bowlers and confidently notched up a half-century partnership.
Australia took the new ball five overs before the lunch break but were not able to make any inroads. The hosts went to lunch at 262/3 with Mathews on 49* and Chandimal on 29*.
Sri Lanka score 78 runs in the first session for the loss for Kusal Mendis’ wicket.
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Dinesh Chandimal piles on misery
Chandimal should have been out caught behind on 30 a few overs after the lunch break off Mitchell Starc. There was a huge appeal from Australia but unfortunately, they had no reviews left. Ultra Edge showed a big inside edge. Welcoming the big reprieve that he got, Chandimal slammed the next delivery for a four through mid-off and there was no looking back.
A solid Test half-century from Dinesh Chandimal 👏
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He brought up his 22nd Test fifty sweeping through fine leg and despite a brief interlude with tea being forced early due to rain, Sri Lanka continued in much the same fashion.
Chandimal converted that fifty into his 13th Test hundred, also helping Sri Lanka go into the lead.
Australia spinners strike late
If not for the late wickets from Australia, Sri Lanka would have been fully in charge of the game. However, a couple of rash shots saw them lose two wickets in the final session.
After getting to his fifty on Test debut, a big score was there for the taking before a rare wild slog became Kamindu Mendis' undoing. Mitchell Swepson got the ball to spin off the rough and castled him.
A fifty on Test debut for Kamindu Mendis 👏
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Three overs later, Nathan Lyon lured Niroshan Dickwella into a big shot. The southpaw took the bait and was out caught by Pat Cummins at mid-on.
Ramesh Mendis and Chadimal took Sri Lanka into stumps with a healthy lead of 67.
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