Dinesh Chandimal has scored an unbeaten 63 as Sri Lanka struggled to 136-5 at lunch on Day 3 in reply to Australia's imposing first innings of 654 in the first cricket test.

Sri Lanka is staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest ever total in Asia — 654-6 declared — on day two of the first test in Galle.

Australia maintained their dominance in Galle on the rain-hit Day 3 of the ongoing opening Test against Sri Lanka. The hosts were reduced to 136/5, trailing by a massive 518 runs, when rain interrupted play in the morning session. The inclement weather continued, entirely washing out the second and third sessions.

Australia's utter dominance on the proceedings in Galle continued on a hot Day 3 as Sri Lanka were five down in the morning session, while still staring at a deficit of 518 runs when rain forced an early Lunch break.

Australia has Sri Lanka three down after opener Usman Khawaja’s first double century and a ton on debut by Josh Inglis helped the tourists to 654-6 declared in the first match on Thursday.

Follow the LIVE Updates from Day 3 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia being played at the Galle International Stadium.

After what was a batting collapse on Day 2 for Sri Lanka, the home side will be looking to pose a better answer in front of the Australia bowling attack featuring the likes of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

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.

FOUR! SMOKED! In full control this time. Sri Lanka vs Australia Live Score: Sri Lanka Kamindu Mendis 14 (28) Dinesh Chandimal 9 (33) Australia Mitchell Starc 1/10 (5) Sri Lanka vs Australia Live Score: Sri Lanka Dinesh Chandimal 9 (33) 1st Test (Day3) of Australia tour of Sri Lanka,