Sri Lanka, helped by sensible batting by the top order and a placid pitch that offered nothing to the bowlers, ended the fourth day of the second Test match against Australia here at 223 for the loss of two wickets, as it fights for a draw with a day left in the match.
Bad light stopped play yet again, for the fourth day in a row more than an hour ahead of close of play. Rain and bad light have robbed the Test of at least 80 overs so far. Australia is still ahead by 14 runs.
For the first time in this series, Sri Lanka's first, second and third wicket partnerships exceeded 50 runs. Kumar Sangakkara (69 batting), who missed a half-century in the first innings made amends in the second essay. Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene (38 batting) were at the crease at stumps.
Lapse in concentration
Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan (36) initially led the fight-back in the company of opening batsman Tharanga Paranavitana (55). A short rain-forced break made Dilshan lose his concentration.
Just five before lunch, he slashed at a delivery outside the off-stump into the hands of Watson at slip. For the fourth time in as many innings, Dilshan, who has demanded accountability from his colleagues, failed to lead by example. Michael Hussey's dream series continued. For the second time in two innings he struck with his military medium-pace, picking up a wicket in the first over of his spell.
Clarke had tossed the ball to Hussey more out of desperation. Bowling a decent line and length, he drew Paranavitana out with one pitched on the off and moving further away.
Paranavitana got a feather touch and the third umpire ruled, following an Aussie referral.
Earlier, Michael Clarke declared at the overnight score of 411 for seven and took the gamble to push for a win. But, the dark clouds continue to threaten and there is also a forecast of rain on Monday, the last day of the game.
