Perera spins Sri Lanka closer to victory

Chasing an improbable 413-run victory target, Australia were reeling on 133-7 at lunch on Saturday and staring at an embarrassing defeat inside three days as they continued to struggle against Sri Lankan spin.

Mitchell Starc (four) and Peter Nevill (seven) were in the middle at the break with the visitors still 280 runs shy of the victory target.

Resuming on 25 for three, Australia captain Steve Smith (30) and deputy David Warner (41) showed positive intent as Sri Lanka attacked with spin from both ends.

The duo frequently used their feet against the spinners and dealt mostly in boundaries until Perera (5-46) separated them.

The 34-year-old off-spinner trapped Warner leg-before with a straight delivery. The batsman reviewed the decision but could not get it overturned.

Perera then returned to deal another body blow to Australia, inducing Smith into giving a bat-pad catch to Kusal Mendis at forward short leg.

Mitchell Marsh (18) paid the price for not offering a shot to a Lakshan Sandakan delivery, the ball hitting his thigh and home captain Angelo Mathews used the review option to reverse the original not-out decision.

Perera completed his five-wicket haul when Adam Voges (28) attempted a reverse sweep shot only to find his leg stump pegged back.