Sri Lanka 68/2 at lunch

Sri Lanka reached 68 for 2 at lunch on day one of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia here at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.

After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka lost the wickets of Pathum Nissanka (23) and Kusal Mendis (3) but skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (25 not out) and Angelo Mathews (15 not out) saw through the first session of play despite the pitch showing early signs of turn and bounce.

Australian captain Pat Cummins snared the first wicket of the Test series when he dismissed Pathum Nissanka caught behind. Kusal Mendis followed soon edging Michael Starc to wicket-keeper. Sri Lanka picked three spinners with Jeffery Vandersay earning Test cap while Australia picked two for the opening Test.

Earlier Sri Lanka Cricket paid tribute to spin legend Shane Warne just before the start of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia.

The Test is being played in honour of Shane Warne, who passed away earlier this year and for whom this series' trophy is partly named, along with fellow spin legend Muttiah Muralidaran.

Before play, Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley was presented with a commemorative plate inscribed with the words: "In Sri Lankan hearts you shall remain a legend of the game of cricket and humanity".

Warne is close to Sri Lankan hearts after he helped raise $1m for the Galle ground to be rebuilt following the Boxing Day Tsunami in 2004.

Lunch: Sri Lanka 68 for 2 (Karunaratne 25*, Cummins 1-12) v Australia