Herath heroics propels Sri Lanka to historic whitewash against Australia

Veteran spinner Rangana Herath once again reprised the role of Australia's tormentor-in-chief as Sri Lanka claimed their first ever series whitewash over a major cricketing nation after defeating Steve Smith's side by 163 runs in the third and final Test in Colombo on Wednesday.

Chasing a formidable victory target of 324, Australia endured a middle-order collapse in the afternoon session before being bundled out for 160 at Sinhalese Sports Club, Sport24 reported.

This was Australia's third successive away-series defeat against teams from the sub-continent.

David Warner was the lone Australian batsman to provide some resistance with an enterprising 68.

Herath, who was adjudged the Player of the Match and Series, wreaked havoc on the tourists on a raging turner as he grabbed seven wickets to add to his first innings six-wicket haul.

For Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal (132) and Dhananjaya de Silva (129) scored crucial knocks in the first innings in Colombo while Kaushal Silva (115) returned to form in the second innings.

Both sides will now play in a five-match one-day series beginning on Sunday in Colombo.