The Sri Lankans declared their first innings at 378 for seven, 41 runs behind the home team's 419 and ripped through the NT Chief Minister's XI's second innings forcing them to declare at 145 for nine late on the third day.

Australian Test paceman Glenn McGrath claimed the big wicket of Sanath Jayasuriya for one on the last ball of the three overs left in the day to have the tourists at six for one.

Opening batsman Kumara Sangakkara scored an unbeaten 203 off 306 balls with 21 fours and a six in Sri Lanka's first innings.

McGrath, who makes his return to Test cricket after a year's injury absence in next week's two-Test series, captured 1-62 off 24 overs.

Another star for the Sri Lankans was slow left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who picked up 4-45 in Australia's second innings and bowled Test opener Justin Langer for a first-ball duck.

Another Australian Test batsman Simon Katich followed up his first-innings duck with 12 in his second time at bat.

At the close of the third day, Sri Lanka were six for one with captain Mahela Jayawardena on four and Tilan Samaraweera the next batsman due in.

Sri Lanka are adjusting to Australian playing conditions ahead of next Thursday's first Test against Ricky Ponting's team at Darwin's Marrara Oval.