By BV Swagath
Peter Siddle claimed 5 for 54 as Australia took a big first innings lead of 114 runs in the First Test at Hobarth. The Aussies finished Day 3 at 27/0 having bowled out Sri Lanka for 336 in 109.3 overs. The hosts had an injury blow during the day’s play with swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus walking off with a side strain which leaves him in doubt for the remainder of the Test match.
Sri Lanka at 87 for 4 in the morning were on the match before they were rescued by a beautiful partnership between opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (147 from 273 balls with 21 fours) and the future Captain Angelo Mathews (75 from 186 balls with 11 fours). Wicket Keeper Prasanna Jayawardene played his part with a 56-ball 40.