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Aussie Test rocked as Sri Lankan star subbed due to Covid drama

Cricket batter Angelo Matthews (pictured middle) running between the wicket against Australia.
Angelo Matthews (pictured middle) has been subbed out of the Sri Lanka cricket line-up on Day 3 against Australia due to Covid-19. (Getty Images)

The Test match between Australia and Sri Lanka has been rocked after veteran Angelo Matthews was subbed out due to Covid-19 in a worry throughout the home camp.

Australia resumed Day 3 at 8-313, but was subsequently bowled out for 322 after just two overs.

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Both Pat Cummins (26) and Mitchell Swepson (1) were dismissed after two delicious Asitha Fernando in-swinging deliveries collected the stumps.

Nathan Lyon finished unbeaten on 15.

However, the biggest talking point before play was that of Matthews.

The batter wasn't feeling well and took a Covid test before play on Day 3.

"Angelo Mathews tested positive for Covid-19. He was found to be positive during a Rapid Anti-Gen Test Conducted on the player," a Sri Lanka statement read.

"The test was done, as the player was feeling unwell. He has been isolated from the rest of the team members and is following Covid-19 protocols."

Oshada Fernando will replace for the former Sri Lankan captain in the line-up.

Australia's counterattack trumps 2016 Tour

Australia went to stumps on day two of the first Test at 8-313, in reply to Sri Lanka's 212.

Already their score is higher than any they produced on the 2016 tour of Sri Lanka, where they were spun out by Rangana Herath and beaten 3-0 by the hosts.

The post-mortem of that series identified a belief that Australia's batters had been too conservative, allowing Herath to get into a rhythm with his lengths.

So on Thursday, Australia put pay to that.

Nathan Lyon (pictured left) and captain Pat Cummins (pictured right) walk back to the pavilion
Australia were bowled out with a first innings lead of 109 against Sri Lanka. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images) (ISHARA S. KODIKARA via Getty Images)

In their first red-ball innings of the tour they went at a run-rate of 4.53, on track to be their second highest ever in a completed innings on the sub-continent.

Usman Khawaja (71), Cameron Green (77) and Alex Carey (45) all swept regularly on a big-turning wicket, as Sri Lanka sent down just one maiden over.

"If you try and block on that wicket too often, it's almost goodnight," Khawaja said.

"I don't know if you can see it watching the game, but my god, that wicket is ragging.

"The guys are batting extremely well to get to 300."

with AAP

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