With only 81.1 overs possible due to rain, Australia will be eager to pile on the runs on day two. Holding a three-spinner advantage, it is well-placed to put Sri Lanka under immense pressure on a pitch expected to deteriorate. A victory in this test would be enough for Australia to retain the Warne–Murali Trophy.

Earlier, Travis Head provided an electric start, smashing 57 off just 40 balls, peppering the boundary 10 times and clearing it once. The Australian vice-captain looked to dominate Jayasuriya but perished trying to clear long-on, ending a 92-run opening wicket stand with Khawaja.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, playing his first test in two years, managed a breakthrough by dismissing Marnus Labuschagne, caught at slip. But from there, Smith and Khawaja took control, ensuring Australia dictated terms.

Sri Lanka’s bowling lacked discipline, and its use of reviews proved costly. The hosts missed an opportunity to dismiss Head on 23, failing to challenge an LBW decision, and then Khawaja on 74, when he edged behind – another review left unused.

Australia, well on top, now have the perfect opportunity to bat Sri Lanka out of the contest.