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Sri Lanka’s batters threaten to take the game away from Australia

After a successful first day of the second test, Australia is on the back foot against Sri Lanka after the third day. Helped by two centuries in their innings, Australia would have been confident coming into the third day. Unfortunately for the tourists, Sri Lanka built on their second-day progress.

Five of the Sri Lankan top-six batsmen passed the half-century mark. However, it was the knock of Dinesh Chandimal which has taken the match away from Australia with two days to go. The middle-order batsman has struggled to keep his place in the side. He finished unbeaten on 118 at the close of play.

Australia has missed some chances during the Sri Lankan innings. Mitchell Swepson missed a caught-and-bowled and he also had a stumping chance missed. The pitch is about to become a whole lot harder to bat on with the ball breaking through the surface on the third day.

What does Australia need to do from here?

The Australians need to take the final four Sri Lankan wickets in the first session. They have already given up a 67-run lead in the first innings and really do not want it to get to 100 or more. As mentioned earlier, it is going to become harder to bat on this wicket the longer the test goes on.

The other goal for the Australians is to find another bowling option other than Nathan Lyon. The off-spinner has already bowled 56 overs in the innings. He has also started to struggle in the heat, coming off a couple of times due to leg cramps. His bowling is going to be crucial for the tourists in the fourth innings.

If he does not break through in the first five overs that he bowls then the Australians need to shut him down. They need to bring on the part-timers such as Travis Head, Marnus Labuschange, and Steve Smith. If these players can break through then this will help Australia further into the match.