Australia in command as rain halts Sri Lanka Test

Australia removed Sri Lankan opener Kusal Perera cheaply after building an 86-run first-innings lead over their hosts as they took firm command Wednesday of a low-scoring Test in Pallekele. Perera fell to the last ball of the day, with the umpires once again forced to call a premature halt to proceedings following a downpour at the picturesque ground on the outskirts of Kandy. Australia were all out for 203 in reply to Sri Lanka's first innings total of 117, with spinner Lakshan Sandakan taking