Having being cleared of a misconduct charge, Justin Langer will resume his innings on 29 when the third cricket Test between Australia and Sri Lanka continues.

Langer had to stay back at the Sinhalese Sports Club after play finished on the third day to face a charge of bringing the game into disrepute following a bizarre incident on the third morning.

Match referee Chris Broad cleared Langer of any wrong-doing but warned him to be careful after he accidentally dislodged a bail while fielding during Sri Lanka's first innings.

"Justin was disappointed the charge was brought and explained his position in a very honest and succinct way," Broad said.

"He was, however, reminded in the future to steer clear of instances such as this."

Langer said he was unaware he'd knocked off a bail but the umpires decided the incident, which caused some consternation, warranted investigation.

"I had absolutely no idea the bail had fallen off and it goes without saying that had I known I would have picked it up and put it back on.

"I'm glad common sense has prevailed and the match referee has come to this conclusion."

Australia will resume on 3-80, an overall lead of 74 after Sri Lanka made 407 in reply to Australia's first innings of 401.

Langer is on 29 and will be joined by Damien Martyn in the morning after nightwatchman Jason Gillespie was dismissed in the final over the day.

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