Sri Lanka self-destructed on day three at the SCG when a breakthrough Test win in Australia was in the offing.

The tourists overcame a brilliant Matt Wade century to be well positioned to set Australia a challenging fourth innings chase and push for a massive boilover in the third Test.

But they suffered an embarrassing second-innings capitulation in the final session to be 7-225 at stumps.

Much is needed from remaining batsman Dinesh Chandimal if the Sri Lankans are to make something of their current lead of 87.
A series sweep for Australia and a winning farewell for retiring great Mike Hussey now appear a simple matter of time - the only problem being Mr Cricket may not bat again.

At least captain Michael Clarke threw Hussey the ball for Saturday’s last over.

The Australians were under pressure at tea despite declaring at 9-432 half an hour before lunch for a first-innings lead of 138.

Sri Lankan batsmen Mahela Jayawardene (60) and Dimuth Karunaratne (85) played brilliantly to combine for 108, virtually eroding the deficit.

But 1-132 quickly became 6-178.

Thilan Samaraweera and Lahiru Thirimanne were the chief culprits for playing unforgivable shots, before a disastrous run-out claimed captain-in-waiting Angelo Mathews.

When skipper Jayawardene was caught behind off Peter Siddle the next over, hope was running out for a brave but ultimately irresponsible Sri Lanka.

Having never tasted Test success Down Under, Sri Lanka may never get a better opportunity.

Australia’s decision to pick five bowlers and field first backfired but, in the end, it seems they’ll get out of jail.

Mitchell Johnson took two wickets with one each to Jackson Bird, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Jayawardene, playing his final match as captain, was justifiably disgusted with the loose shots played by his new partners after opener Karunaratne edged behind off Bird to fall 15 short of a maiden hundred.

Thirimanne was out for just seven hooking Johnson to Bird in the deep.

Before Samaraweera attempted a reckless slog off Lyon down the ground to hole out to Hussey - bringing a roaring crowd to their feet.

With more than two days left in the match, there was no excuse for Sri Lanka’s lack of patience.

If Australia do go on to win the Test, it will have less to do with their debatable tactics and more to do with the outstanding 102 not out from Wade - his first century on home soil.

Wade looked certain to run out of partners, with No.11 Jackson Bird arriving at the crease with the diminutive left-hander still requiring 30 runs to bring up the milestone.

But a week after Bird left Mitchell Johnson stranded in the 90s in the second Test, the fast bowler played a fine support role as cancer-survivor Wade hit the accelerator and celebrated his milestone in style in front of a pink crowd supporting Jane McGrath Day.

AAP