Australia recovered from the loss of two early wickets, as they reached 154 for 4 at the first day of the third test underway at the SSC.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first, due to the moisture in the surface following morning rain and overcast condiitons, that would assist the fast bowlers. They reduced Australia to 22 for 2 within 9 overs, before new number three Shaun Marsh and former captain Ricky ponting consolidated the innings putting on a partnership 79 partnership before the former Aussie skipper was caught behind two short of a half-century, off the bolwing of Suranga Lakmal.
 
Captain Michael Clarke was the next batsmen but he soon followed his former Captain to the dressing room in similar fashion 19 runs later, off the bowling of Shaminda Eranga for 8.
 
Marsh, who played with the same fluency similar to the second test where he scored 141, along with Michael Hussey took Australia to tea, with 34 overs of play remaining.   (SMD)
 
 Australia 154-4