Australia in command

Australia removed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera cheaply after building up an 86-run first innings lead over their hosts as they took firm command Wednesday of a low-scoring Test in Pallekele.

Perera fell to the last ball of the day, with the umpires once again forced to call a premature halt to proceedings following a downpour at the picturesque ground on the outskirts of Kandy.

Australia were all out for 203 in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 117, with spinner Lakshan Sandakan taking four wickets on his debut.

The early loss of Perera on the second day of the first Test was another bitter blow for the struggling hosts.

Perera fell for just four when he was lbw to paceman Mitchell Starc, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling on six for one at close of play.

The downpour initially prompted the umpires to call an early tea break, but they were later forced to abandon play early for the second day running.

Veteran Sri Lankan left-arm spinner Rangana Herath and the 25-year-old rookie Sandakan had earlier taken four wickets apiece.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SRI LANKA: First innings 117 (De Silva 24, K Perera 20; Hazlewood 3-21, Lyon 3-12)

AUSTRALIA: First innings 203 all out (Khawaja 26, Smith 30, Voges 47, Marsh 31, O'Keefe 23; Herath 4-49                , Sandakan 4-58)

SRI LANKA: Second innings 6 for 1.