West Indies scores 69 losing one wicket against Sri Lanka in rain marred third Test

West Indian Darren Bravo lifted a rain-hit opening day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka with a fluent 44 not out at the Pallakele Stadium on Wednesday.

Bravo's knock, which included seven fours, enabled West Indies to recover to 69-1 at tea after the exit of Chris Gayle out for a duck from the first ball of the game.

Bravo forged an unbroken partnership with Devon Smith, unbeaten on 22. 

Only 8.3 overs were possible in the afternoon session before rain forced an early tea. 

Young fast bowler Suranga Lakmal had baptised international cricket's newest test venue by dismissing Gayle, trapped lbw.

Sri Lanka, who put West Indies in, made one change from the last test, calling up Dilhara Fernando for Nuwan Kulasekara. The tourists made two, with Devon Smith and Nelon Pascal replacing Adrian Barath and Shane Shillingford.   

The series stands tied at 0-0 after two draws.