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.

Rex Clementine in Galle Sri Lanka were in dire straits, having lost the cream of their batting lineup for peanuts and limped to 44 for three at stumps on day two, in reply to Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 654 for six declared.

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.

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

The rainy weather conditions have given Australia a selection problem for the opening test against Sri Lanka starting Wednesday, although one thing seems certain: Travis Head will open the batting.

GALLE, Sri Lanka, Jan 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Australia skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat in the opening match of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Smith is one short of 10,000 Test runs and likely to reach the landmark when he comes out to bat at four at the picturesque Galle International Stadium.

Australia had 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.