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.

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.

More forecast rain in Galle is all that stands between crumbling Sri Lanka and an embarrassing early defeat in the opening Test again.

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.

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 and Kusal Mendis were relieved by the sight of rain, with Sri Lanka being stopped at 136-5, trailing by 518 runs

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.

GALLE: Australia’s momentum-filled bowling attack was left frustrated as the adamant rain washed out the final two sessions of the third day of their ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka here at the Galle International Stadium on Friday.

Australia in control on day three despite interruption due to rain and resistance from Dinesh Chandimal. Check out all the details only on CricTracker

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.

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.