Australia's tail managed to put together some handy runs early in proceedings on day 3 as they extended their score from 6/115 to finish on 210, although once again there was no innings of substance. Nor was there a partnership that has overtaken the highest partnership of the game so far - a mere 56 for Australia's second innings third wicket between Hughes and Clarke. However, the 32 for the last wicket between the debutants Copeland and Lyon were important runs, if only because it gave Ryan Harris a bit more breathing space after his own hour long 23. Harris came out and repeated Welegedara's first ball dismissal of Shane Watson by trapping Paranavitana in front to open proceedings. He knocked over Dilshan shortly afyerwards on his way to 3/24, and before too long Sri lanka were reeling at 5/68. A fine partnership in the circumstances between Angelo Matthews (34*) and Mahela Jayawardene (57*) kept the hosts chances alive, but at 5/120, the target of 379 seems very unlikely. If nothing else though, they only need another five runs to break the partnership record for the match.
The weather was patchy on day 3, but conditions look good on day 4, with the Australians soon to take the field in search of the final five wickets. Scoreboard here.
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