By Srian Obeyesekere

Australia A made a compelling 379 for 3 in reply to Sri Lanka A’s 485 total by day three of the unofficial test match led by compelling centuries by opening batsman Jake Weatherald who struck a masterly 183, and skipper Jason Sangha unbeaten on 121 at Darwin’s Marrara Oval. With a day remaining it left the 2-match series heading for a draw.

Resuming from an overnight 76 for 1, Weatherald, who was on 45, powered his way to the big ton striking 16 boundaries and 2 sixes in adding 209 for the third wicket with skipper Sangha whose 206 ball innings contained 9 boundaries and a six. It followed his second wicket partnership of 134 together with Kurtis Patterson who made 59.

Weatherald reportedly entered the race for an opening berth for Australia in the Ashes series against England with the Aussie selectors on the hunt for a potential partner to pair with Usman Khawaja.

Patterson was removed by Asanka Manoj who had him caught by Sonal Dinusha while the big wicket of Weatherald was claimed by Nuwanidu Fernando who rattled his stumps.

Sri Lanka A 485/9 decl. 157 Overs
Pavan Rathnayake 122, Nuwanidu Fernando 102, Sonal Dinusha 88, Kamil Mishara 81,
Sohan de Livers 50

Australia A 379/3 103 Overs
Jake Weatherald 183, Jason Sangha n.o. 121, Kurtis Patterson 59, Nuwanidu Fernando 1/13, Asanka Manoj 1/57, Nishan Peiris 1/91