Paceman Peter Siddle gave an inspirational performance to claim 5-54 as Australia strengthened their hold on the first Test against Sri Lanka late on day three.

Sri Lanka resumed on 4-87 and were bowled out for 336 at Hobart’s Bellerive Oval on Sunday.

Australia reached a commanding position at 0-27 at stumps to hold an overall lead of 141 runs with 10 second-innings wickets in hand.

David Warner is eight not out and Ed Cowan 16 not out.

Cowan had a life on five when an lbw appeal against him by the bowler Nuwan Kulasekara was turned down. TV replays showed the tourists made a big error by not asking for a video referral.

Earlier, Siddle had been forced to carry a greater load after swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus left the field two deliveries into his fourth over of the day with a side strain.

Sri Lanka opener Tillakaratne Dilshan scored 147 and shared a record fifth-wicket stand of 161 with Angelo Mathews (75).

Siddle finally broke through in the sixth over with the second new ball when Mathews was out lbw at 5-248 shortly before tea and Mitchell Starc bowled Dilshan at 6-289.

The aggressive Dilshan hit 21 fours in his seven-hour knock, posting his 15th Test hundred and second against Australia.

Siddle removed No.7 Prasanna Jayawardene lbw for 40 on a third-umpire referral.

Rangana Herath was also lbw to Siddle for a duck. Unfortunately for the batsman, TV replays indicated a clear inside edge onto his pad but the tourists had no referrals remaining.

Australia wicketkeeper Matthew Wade missed a simple stumping off the bowling of spinner Nathan Lyon when tailender Kulasekara (23) was on three.