Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten half-century and persistent rain in Galle delayed Australia's push for victory in the opening test against Sri Lanka on Friday.

GALLE: Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal was waging a lone battle on 63 with Australia ahead by 518 runs and tightening their grip on the first Test before rain forced early lunch Friday. The hosts were 136-5 by the first break on day three in Galle with wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis also at the crease on 10 after losing two more wickets overnight.

Mitchell Starc shows his difference as rain and Dinesh Chandimal save the Sri Lankan captain's blushes. Here are the quick hits from day three in Galle.

Australia's charge to get quick wickets was halted as rain saved Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the first Test between both sides in Galle on Friday, January 31. Dinesh Chandimal waged a lone battle on a day that was curtailed by rain.

More storms are forecast on Saturday as Galle’s fickle weather threatens to prevent a crushing Australian victory in the first Test.

Incessant afternoon rain forced an early end to day three of the first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka on Friday, with the visitors leading by 518 and former home skipper Dinesh Chandimal waging a lone battle on 63.

Usman Khawaja’s double century, Josh Inglis’ debut hundred, and Steve Smith’s second test century in Galle propelled the visitors into a position of absolute command.

The rain played a major role on the third day of the ongoing Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.At Stumps on Day 3, Sri Lanka were 136/5 in 42 overs with Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis unbeaten on the crease as they are way behind Baggy Greens total by 518 runs.

After dominating the first two and a half days of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, Australia found itself battling an unexpected adversary — Galle’s unpredictable sub-tropical weather.

Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten half-century and persistent rain in Galle delayed Australia's push for victory in the opening test against Sri Lanka on Friday. Only a 27-over session was possible on day three with Sri Lanka losing two wickets and slumping to 136-5 before rain stopped play.

Dinesh Chandimal scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136 for five at lunch Friday in response to Australia’s imposing first innings of 654 for six declared. A rain-curtailed morning session on Day 3 of the first test did little to ease Sri Lanka's woes,