Silva half-century extends Sri Lanka’s lead

Tea Sri Lanka 355 and 187 for 5 (Silva 78*, Chandimal 10*) lead Australia 379 by 163 runsLive scorecard and ball-by-ball details

Kaushal Silva’s first half-century of the series – his first double-figure score of the series, actually – pushed Sri Lanka’s lead into worrying territory for Australia on the fourth day in Colombo. Assured of lifting the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy but seeking a whitewash to really make it a memorable campaign, Sri Lanka grew their lead to 163 runs by tea on the fourth afternoon, with Silva on 78 and Dinesh Chandimal on 10.

Already it was the kind of target that could pose Australia some problems, particularly given the pitch was offering significant turn, but if Sri Lanka were to lift their lead well into the 200s, they would unquestionably be favourites to win the match. Australia had given themselves a chance by collecting three wickets – including two controversial ones – during a hectic opening session, but Silva calmed proceedings after lunch.

He entered this innings with scores of 4, 7, 5, 2 and 0 so far in the series, hardly the kind of form to inspire great confidence. But this time Silva got himself in, and Australia couldn’t get him out. He scored plenty of runs square of the wicket when Australia pitched short, and brought up his fifty from his 139th delivery with a cut behind point for two off Jon Holland.

Australia managed only one wicket during the post-lunch session: Angelo Mathews on 26 tried to sweep Nathan Lyon but only succeeded in top-edging a catch that lobbed up to Steven Smith at slip. There were a few causes for Australian heads in hands – balls that fizzed past the outside …

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