Sri Lanka was staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest ever total in Asia — 654-6 declared — on day two of the first test on Thursday. Fatigued after spending five and a half sessions fielding under the scorching sun,

Sri Lanka were on dire straits as they ended day two on 44 for three having faced 15 overs after Australia amassed a massive score of 654 for six declared in the first Test match played at the Galle International Stadium yesterday.

Mitchell Starc shows his difference as rain and Dinesh Chandimal save the Sri Lankan captain's blushes. Here are the quick hits from day three in Galle.

After what was a batting collapse on Day 2 for Sri Lanka, the home side will be looking to pose a better answer in front of the Australia bowling attack featuring the likes of Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Khawaja's eight-hour-plus knock of 232 off 352 balls was historic — the first Australian to score a double hundred in Sri Lanka

Kuhnemann trapped Oshada Fernando (seven) lbw in the second over of the innings, while Starc removed fellow Dimuth Karunaratne (seven) shortly later thanks to a cracking catch from sub fielder Nathan McSweeney.

Usman Khawaja’s maiden Test double century and a rapid ton from debutant Josh Inglis decimated a flagging Sri Lanka before Australia’s attack breathed life into a slow Galle surface late on day two. After stand-in captain Steven Smith declared Australia’s innings on 654 for 6 midway through the final session,

Follow the LIVE Updates from Day 3 of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia being played at the Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka XI: 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Oshada Fernando ... Josh Inglis recieved his Baggy Green and is set to make his Test debut. Australia have gone with three spinners in their playing XI.

GALLE, Sri Lanka, Jan 30, (AP): Sri Lanka was staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest-ever total in Asia - 654-6 declared - on day two of the first test on Thursday. Fatigued after spending five and a half sessions fielding under the scorching sun, Sri Lanka’s batting resistance was minimal.

In the past 15 years, Australia has only enforced the follow-on five times, with acting skipper Smith in command for one of those matches, a win over the West Indies in Hobart in 2015. But it may be Australia's clearest path to victory against Sri Lanka.

Day 2 saw Australia post a huge 654/6 declared in their first innings. Riding on a double century from Usman Khawaja (232), Australia had centurions in the form of Josh Inglis (102) and skipper Steve Smith (141). In reply, the hosts found themselves at 44/3 at stumps on day 2.