Australia need 185 on fifth day, SL seven wickets

Australia 203 and 83 for 3 (Smith 26*, Voges 9*) need another 185 runs to beat Sri Lanka 117 and 353 (Mendis 176, Starc 4-84)Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Australia do not lose Tests to Sri Lanka. That, at least, is the conventional wisdom, for it has happened only once in the 33-year history between the two nations. It has not happened this century. But times change. There is every chance Sri Lanka will rewrite the conventions in 2016, for at stumps on day four they were in a powerful position, seven wickets from victory. Australia needed 185 runs, and runs were coming at glacial speed.

Day four was abridged, cut short at both ends. Rain delayed the start and bad light forced an early finish, so only 40.4 overs were bowled. But that was enough for Sri Lanka to set Australia 268 for victory, the kind of target that against quality spinners in Asian conditions would naturally lead to Australian nerves. And so it did. David Warner was so hypercharged that he danced down the pitch and was bowled by Rangana Herath in the second over.

Australia’s top order decided that the quicker they could score the runs, the better. Usman Khawaja also took the attacking approach, until on 18 from 21 balls he missed an attempted sweep and was lbw to Dilruwan Perera. At 33 for 2, Australia decided a more reasoned method might be required. Steven Smith and Joe Burns slowed down a touch, though Sri Lanka’s spinners did not let up on the pressure.

In particular, Australia’s batsmen found Lakshan …

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