Sri Lanka, Feb. 7 -- Sri Lanka 257 (Kusal 85, Chandimal 74, Starc 3-37, Kuhnemann 3-63, Lyon 3-96)

Sri Lanka finished with what appeared a competitive first innings total after Kusal Mendis and No. 11 Kumara added 28 runs in the first 30 minutes of the day's play. Mendis was left stranded on 85 but he should be well pleased having spearheaded Sri Lanka's recovery from 150 for 6.

Australia's three specialist bowlers Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann did the bulk of the heavy lifting and picked up three wickets apiece.

With Sri Lanka resuming at 229 for 9, Australia looked to wrap up the innings quickly amid stifling morning humidity. But they were left frustrated with Mendis thwarting Lyon's plans with superb sweeps that...