Australia closed in on a convincing victory in the first Test in Galle yesterday after Sri Lanka's top order was ripped apart for a second time.

Sri Lanka, set an improbable target of 379 to win on a crumbling wicket, were tottering at 120-5 at the close of the third day's play at the Galle International Stadium.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene provided a batting lesson for his teammates, making an unbeaten 57 with the help of eight boundaries.

Angelo Mathews was the other not out batsman on 32, having put on 52 runs for the sixth wicket with his senior partner.

Australia start the fourth day's play today needing five more wickets to win and take the lead in the three-Test series.

Sri Lanka need to defy history to stop the tourists -- the highest fourth innings score at the ground is 210 by New Zealand two years ago.

The hosts, who were shot out for 105 in the first innings, succumbed to a hostile three-wicket burst by Ryan Harris and probing seam bowling from Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson.