NEW DELHI: Australia were just two wickets away from wrapping up Sri Lanka’s second innings in Galle as the hosts ended day three of the second Test at 211 for 8 on Saturday.
Australia, who lead the series 1-0, aim to complete a 2-0 sweep with Sri Lanka ahead by only 54 runs.
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Angelo Mathews anchored Sri Lanka’s innings but fell to Nathan Lyon just before stumps.
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His sweep shot was caught at square leg by Beau Webster, ending a crucial knock of 76 runs.
Mathews’ position in the team is under scrutiny with only one fifty in his last eight innings. The selectors previously indicated his place in the next World Test Championship cycle depends on his ability to score substantial runs.
A vital sixth-wicket partnership of 70 runs between Mathews and Kusal Mendis helped Sri Lanka avoid an innings defeat and extend the match to day four.
Australian supporters gathered at the historic Galle Fort ramparts to watch their team’s dominant performance.
Nathan Lyon reached a milestone of 550 Test wickets, becoming the third Australian to achieve this feat after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath.
Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann combined effectively, claiming seven wickets between them.
Alex Carey previously delivered an outstanding performance with his career-best 156, including 15 boundaries and two sixes. Steve Smith also continued his excellent form with another century, scoring 131. However, it was Carey who made batting appear effortless on the challenging pitch.
The visitors are close to securing another victory after winning the first Test by an innings and 242 runs, which marked Sri Lanka’s heaviest Test defeat in their history.
The match is set for an early conclusion on day four, with Australia strongly positioned to complete series win.
