England bowlers on end of batting record

Kumar Sangakkara became the first batsman to hit 150 in four consecutive matches as the records continue to tumble at Asgiriya.

While Muttiah Muralitharan continued celebrations of his new record Test-wicket haul, Sangakkara struck 152 out of Sri Lanka's 442 for eight declared, which left England with an improbable chase of 350.

Building on a first innings total of 281 England's task will be made harder by the cheap second innings wicket of Alistair Cook for 4 before the close of play.

The declaration came after two wickets in quick succession from Paul Collingwood - Prasanna Jayawardene bowled by one which shaped back and Sangakkara snapped up an inch above the turf at midwicket by England captain Michael Vaughan.

Panesar took two wickets trapping Chamara Silva leg before and had Jehan Mubarak caught in the deep. The spinner claimed a third scalp of the innings when Lasith Malinga hoiked to leg and missed.

But there was a fresh injury problem for England. Matthew Hoggard had to leave the field with a back injury. Worryingly it was damaged facet joints in his back which caused him to miss last summer's Test series against India.

With a deteriorating pitch since Muralitheran claimed his record 710th wicket England will resume on the final day of the first Test chasing 350, on 9 for 1.

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