Sri Lanka is staring down the barrel at 44-3 after Australia achieved its largest ever total in Asia — 654-6 declared — on day two of the first test in Galle.

Rex Clementine in Galle Sri Lanka were in dire straits, having lost the cream of their batting lineup for peanuts and limped to 44 for three at stumps on day two, in reply to Australia’s mammoth first-innings total of 654 for six declared.

Kuhnemann trapped Oshada Fernando (seven) lbw in the second over of the innings, while Starc removed fellow Dimuth Karunaratne (seven) shortly later thanks to a cracking catch from sub fielder Nathan McSweeney.

Australia’s batters have feasted on Sri Lanka’s bowling, racking up milestones and dominance on a rain-curtailed opening day of the first test in Galle.

Opener Usman Khawaja's first double century and a ton on debut by Josh Inglis helped Australia to 654-6 declared on day two of the first match against Sri Lanka on Thursday. The 38-year-old struck his 16th Test ton on day one and resumed on 147 before becoming the first Australian batsman to make a double ton in Sri Lanka.

Asitha Fernando is Sri Lanka's only quick, while Mitchell Starc will play that role for Australia with Beau Webster and Angelo Mathews expected to provide support