Australia found themselves in dire straits as Sri Lanka's ace spinner Rangana Herath took a hat-trick during the first session of second day's play of the second Test between the two countries at Galle International Stadium.

Herath started his seventh over with figures on 1 for 17 and Australia on 4 for 80 after 24 overs. The last three deliveries of the 25th over of the innings saw Adam Voges, Peter Neville and Mitchell Starc being dismissed. Australia found themselves at 7 for 80.

The fact that they avoided the follow on became an important news item following this amazing turn of events.

Voges was the first to be dismissed in the over after mistiming a shot towards extra-cover where Dimuth Karunaratne took an outstanding catch. Peter Neville was leg before wicket the next ball. Mitchell Starc faced the hat-trick ball and also found himself leg before wicket.

Australia had started the day at 2 for 54 and had lost two early wickets before Herath wreaked havoc in the 25th over.