At Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo, September 30, October 1, 2, 3, 4. Drawn. Toss: Australia.
Rain dominated the final Test to such an extent that commentator David Hookes, the former Test batsman, wanted to present the match award to the overworked Super Sopper. That the game began at all was a miracle, and there was never a realistic chance of a result. Nevertheless, it was Australia's best Test and they dominated Sri Lanka from the time Steve Waugh won the toss. Slater and Blewett again opened with a hundred partnership, putting on 126 on a pitch that was underprepared because of the bad weather. The ball began to jump and turn sharply from the first day. Australia had not managed a century opening stand in consecutive Tests since November 1995, against Pakistan, and not in consecutive innings since January that same year, against England, 50 Tests before this one. Slater was involved in each instance, though his partner then was Mark Taylor. Slater was first out, once more a victim of his own impetuosity, advancing to push the modest off-spin of Arnold into the covers and being stumped for 59. It was a replica of his dismissal by Muralitharan in the previous Test. By the close, Australia were well set at 203 for four but, because of the rain, it would take Ponting three days to compile the only hundred of the series. Unbeaten on 105 when Australia were bowled out for 342, he struck 11 fours in three and three-quarter hours.

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