KANDY, Sri Lanka (CMC):

The third and decisive Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies appeared headed for another tame draw after rain forced the abandonment of the third day's play on Friday without a ball being bowled.

Ground staff were forced to keep the covers on as the adverse weather persisted well into the afternoon, and match officials finally abandoned the day just after the scheduled tea break at the Pallekele Stadium.

West Indies were set to resume on 244 for five after being sent in to bat by Sri Lanka on the first day Wednesday.

With the first two Tests finishing in stalemates, both teams entered this Test searching for a positive result, but rain has so far ravaged the encounter - allowing just 40 overs on the opening day and 41 on the second.

The fourth day on Saturday is slated to begin at 9:45 a.m. (12:15 p.m. Eastern Caribbean time) and 98 overs are scheduled to be bowled.

When the Windies resume their innings, left-handed batsman Brendan Nash will be eyeing his third Test century, as he is currently unbeaten on 62.