Aus in Sri Lanka | Chandimal ton gives Sri Lanka 67-run lead over Australia

Former captain Dinesh Chandimal has scored a hundred as Sri Lanka reached 431-6 at stumps on day three of the second test against Australia

Former captain Dinesh Chandimal scored a hundred as Sri Lanka reached 431-6 at stumps on day three of the second test against Australia on Sunday. Sri Lanka now leads by 67 runs with four wickets in hand.

It was a terrific effort by Chandimal, who stitched some crucial partnerships with the middle order to give the home side the edge after a disappointing batting performance in the first test that they lost by ten wickets.

Walking out to bat in the third over of the day after the dismissal of overnight batsman Kusal Mendis, Chandimal was aggressive early on in the innings with close-in fielders piling on the pressure. His first scoring shot was a boundary as the right-hander gave Nathan Lyon the charge and drove him past cover.

The very next ball he sent down the track again and lofted the off-spinner over long-off for six. That gave him some breathing space and with the field spreading out, he settled in.

Chandimal and Angelo Mathews shared 83 runs for the fourth wicket as Sri Lanka lost just one wicket in the morning session as they fought their way back into the game.

Chandimal had nicked Mitchell Starc to wicketkeeper Alex Carey when on 30 but umpire Kumar Dharmasena turned down the appeal. Australia had used all their reviews and had it been referred, the on-field decision would have been overturned.

Despite his side falling behind, Australia Head Coach Andrew McDonald was confident that the game is still within reach.