Dinesh Chandimal scored the seventh century of his Test career as Sri Lanka ground out the highest total of this series so far, posting 355 in the first innings in Colombo. On a dry pitch that offered some turn, fast bowler Mitchell Starc was again Australia's most effective weapon and claimed his third five-wicket haul of the series, but it is Australia's batting that will determine whether this match becomes a contest or another Sri Lankan triumph.
And by the Australians had already lost one wicket in the seven overs they had faced, David Warner having danced down the pitch to Dhananjaya de Silva and under-edged a catch behind. The innings had begun with a six from the first ball, when Dilruwan Perera lobbed up a full toss that Warner clubbed over midwicket. Rangana Herath, struck in the groin while batting earlier in the day, had been unable to take his place on the field before tea.
But this day had largely been about Chandimal, who approached his innings with great patience right since he arrived at the crease at 24 for 4 on the first morning. His century came from 281 deliveries and by the time he was finally caught behind - Peter Nevill took a sharp chance when Starc gained some reverse swing - Chandimal had lasted 356 balls. Not a single Australian has faced that many in the entire series.
Chandimal and de Silva had rescued Sri Lanka from their extremely precarious first-morning position with a 211-run partnership, the highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test history from a score of five down for fewer than 50. De Silva moved on to 129 before he was drawn forward by Lyon's length and then deceived by the dip, inside-edging a catch to bat-pad.
After de Silva's departure, Chandimal carried on in his patient method and eventually brought up his century with a single worked behind square leg off Lyon. It was a fitting way for Chandimal to register his milestone, for the nudged and nurdled ones and twos had been such a key feature of his innings. When he did provide a chance to the Australians, on 100, they failed to take it, Steven Smith at slip grassing an edge off Jon Holland.
Chandimal continued to slowly accumulate while the tail-enders kept him company. Dilruwan Perera made a quick 16 before he holed out to long-off from the bowling of Holland. Herath then joined Chandimal and frustrated the Australians with three boundaries during a 73-run partnership that ended only when Herath retired hurt on 33, having been struck by Josh Hazlewood.
Like Chandimal, Herath offered Smith a chance with an edge to slip, but the Australia captain was again unable to hang on. The innings was wrapped up with the wicket of Suranga Lakmal, who was caught at gully to give Starc figures of 5 for 63. Herath could not resume his innings.
(espncricinfo)
