• Rain saved Sri Lanka as they struggle on 136/5 at the end of Day 3 of the 1st Test.

  • Dinesh Chandimal's 63-run knock kept Sri Lanka's hopes afloat.

SL vs AUS 2025 [Twitter reactions]: Australia in control as rain brings early stumps on Day 3 of the first Test
SL vs AUS (Image Source: Getty)

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The struggles of Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium on Day 3 of the 1st Test continued with the home side pushed further to a corner by a determined effort from Australia with the ball. However, the rain interrupted play as the match progressed, enforcing an early Tea and stumps soon after. At the end of the day’s play, Sri Lanka’s hopes to come somewhere near Australia’s 1st innings mammoth total remained alive with 136 runs on the board for the loss of 5 wickets. The home side are still behind Australia by 518 runs.

Resilience from Dinesh Chandimal keeps Sri Lanka afloat

Sri Lanka started the day as star batter Kamindu Mendis threw his wicket away on a full-length ball pitched outside leg by Mitchell Starc. Mendis, in an attempt to flick the ball, gave an easy catch to Alex Carey behind the stumps and further added concerns in the Sri Lankan camp.

However, all was not lost for the home side. Top-order batter Dinesh Chandimal somehow managed to continue amidst a relentless onslaught from Australian bowlers. His brave half-century kept Sri Lanka in contention to save the Test as the scenario of the Sri Lankan innings changed from 67/4 upon Mendis’s dismissal to 107/5 at the time of skipper Dhananjaya De Silva’s departure.

The counter-attack from Chandimal continued with wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis on the other end supporting him. Before the rain interruption, Chandimal scored an unbeaten 63 runs off 115 balls to add some crucial runs to Sri Lanka’s total. Kusal withheld the visitors from the other end with 10 runs off 25 balls at the end of day’s play. The responsibility to first avoid a follow-on and next to come somewhere near the Australian batters now rests upon Chandimal and the lower-order batters.

Positive signs for Australia

Although Australia could only manage to take 2 wickets throughout the day’s play which was shrouded with an untimely rain interruption, a number of positives popped-up for the Aussies. The most important one in this regard was the return of opening batter Usman Khawaja back into the field who could not appear for his team on the outfield due to a discomfort following an emphatic 232-run knock he played in the 1st innings.

Next, Australia managed to break the crucial 40-run partnership between Chandimal and De Silva. With that, Australian spinner Matthew Kuhnemann and Starc have taken 2 Sri Lankan wickets each, further showcasing the firm grip Australia have in this Test match.

Also Watch: Travis Head’s sensational one-handed grab left Angelo Mathews stunned on Day 2 of the Galle Test

Here’s how Twitter reacted

Also Read: SL vs AUS 2025: Fans erupt as debutant Josh Inglis hits a spectacular century on Day 2 of the 1st Test

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About the Author:
PRANJAL MISHRA
Pranjal is a postgraduate in Journalism with a lifelong passion for cricket. From a young age, cricket has been an integral part of his life, creating some of his most cherished memories. His enthusiasm for the sport continues to drive his writing. Pranjal began his professional journey as a writer for radio and television before transitioning to full-time sports journalism in 2021. Over the years, he has covered a wide variety of sports, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Cricket remains his foremost passion, both as a fan and a journalist.You can connect with Pranjal on LinkedIn and follow him on X (Twitter) or write to him at pranjal.mishra@crickettimes.com.