A lot more work to do for both teams

Denis Aberhart, New Zealand's coach, believes his bowlers still have enough time to force a win despite a fightback by Sri Lanka's batsmen on day three of this opening Test.

New Zealand claimed just three wickets in three sessions as Sri Lanka finished on 267 for four after half centuries from Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Hashan Tillakaratne.

"It's hard out there but I think they stuck at it pretty well today," said Aberhart. "The lines were right and they created some opportunities which might have gone our way with a bit more luck."

"In the first session, 75% of the runs were scored in boundaries and, although we pulled it back later in the day, there were too many four balls. We need to bowl more dot balls to put them under pressure."

Sri Lanka need another 49 runs to avoid the follow on target but even if New Zealand conjure up a spectacular collapse with the second new ball they will not enforce the follow on.

"I don't think we will be forcing the follow on now," said Aberhart. "Instead, we will look to set a target, if we can get them out quick enough. There is a lot more work to be done but if we can get a couple more wickets and put some pressure on their long tail it is game on."

Mahela Jayawardene, who scored an unbeaten 58, adding 133 for the fifth wicket with Hashan Tillakaratne, was relieved to have contributed with the bat after a dismal World Cup in South Africa and then spilling four catches in the first innings here.

"Things have not been going my way for the last couple of months," said Jayawardene. "I found my timing and confidence in that knock against New Zealand in the warm-up game, where I worked on my balance and just stuck to the basics."

"Yesterday's fielding was one of the most disastrous outings that I have ever had. Nothing went my way and a let the team down - I felt really bad. I try to not think about such things when I go out to bat but obviously it was at the back of my mind."

Jayawardene, who slowed down just before the close, conscious of the need to deny New Zealand a morale boosting wicket at the end of the day, warned that Sri Lanka were not yet safe.

"The pitch is getting slower and there is some for bite for the spinners, but if you concentrate hard and don't play loose shots then you can survive," he said. "We fought hard today but the job is only half done. We have to survive for at least another session tomorrow."