Rain frustrated both sides on the fourth morning in Pallekele, but Australia's annoyance was significantly eased by the dismissal of Kusal Mendis from one of the 45 balls delivered during the session.

Having almost single-handedly dragged Sri Lanka back into the match on day three, Mendis added only seven to his overnight total before edging Mitchell Starc behind on 176.

It was the only wicket in a session that brought 32 runs and less than eight overs, with rain having delayed the start and then caused an early end to the session.

The Australians did think they had another breakthrough when Rangana Herath was given out lbw to Josh Hazlewood, but the batsman's review was upheld when replays showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump.

At lunch, Sri Lanka were 314 for 7, with Herath on 17 and Dilruwan Perera on 12, and their lead had grown to 228, which was already a challenging prospect for Australia batting last.

(espncricinfo)