Marsh, Smith hit centuries as Australia score 379 against Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Australia made a fitting reply to Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 355 by reaching 141-1 at stumps Sunday on the second day of the third test, helped

COLOMBO: Australia made a fitting reply to Sri Lanka’s first-innings score of 355 by reaching 141-1 at stumps Sunday on the second day of the third test, helped by half-centuries from Shaun Marsh and captain Steve Smith and their unbroken 120-run partnership for the second wicket.

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Marsh was batting undefeated on 64 including 10 boundaries with Smith on 61 with a six and five boundaries. The pair came together after David Warner (11) fell early threatening yet another Australian batting collapse seen repeatedly in the series.

Warner was dismissed in the fourth over, caught behind off spinner Dhananjaya de Silva.

The partnership between Marsh and Smith lasted 234 balls.

Sri Lanka was bowled out for 355 just before tea with Dinesh Chandimal top scoring with 132 and de Silva scoring 129 for his maiden test hundred in only his third game.

Chandimal was caught behind after facing 356 balls and hitting 13 boundaries and a six.