Australia batsman Phil Hughes was left disappointed on two fronts on Friday, as he fell 13 runs short of his century and also had to watch as his team-mates committed the cardinal sin of being run out as the Aussies made 342 for six.

Sri Lanka took regular wickets and did well in the field, capitalising on the hosts' sloppiness between the wickets as Australia built a slender lead of 48 runs by the end of day two of the third Test.

Cricket betting fans could have made a bit of money if they banked on run outs, as just one in a Test is a fairly criminal offence but two is punishable by flogging as the Aussies lost both Ed Cowan and Mike Hussey that way.

Hughes said after the day's play: "Today we could look back and feel we could have been in a better position, it would have been nice to have a couple of wickets less.

"But that's the position we're in now, 40-odd run lead and we're well balanced in this game."

While the odds are still on Australia to complete a series whitewash as they lead 2-0, sports betting enthusiasts could still make a packet if they bet on the visitors, who are looking better than they have all tour.