Hosts Sri Lanka come good against Australia

Kumar Sangakkara and Tharanga Paranavitana fought back with half centuries yesterday to raise Sri Lanka's hopes of drawing the second Test against Australia.

Sri Lanka reached 223 for two to trail Australia by 14 runs at stumps on day four.

Sangakkara was unbeaten on 69 and Mahela Jayawardene reached 38 when bad light stopped play. The pair has added 95 runs in an unbroken partnership for the third wicket. Earlier, Paranavitana was out for 55.

"It was important we showed some character in this innings, especially since the last three innings we've had opportunities to really try to win Test matches, but we haven't done that with our batting," Sangakkara said.

Sangakkara had faced 158 balls and hit eight boundaries in his 35th Test half century.

Sri Lanka have eight second-innings wickets in hand as they go into the final day of the match hoping to salvage a draw.

"Another opportunity for the guys to go out there and graft the runs and if we get a good start again tomorrow morning, the new ball's due in one over, we can put some pressure back on the Australians," Sangakkara said.

"That's the real key, forget about the third Test for now, and concentrate on the fifth day of the Test match. We've got everything to bat for and everything to play for."

Brad Haddin, the Australia wicketkeeper, said his team were looking to make the most of the new ball.

"We have got to do damage with the new ball, if we don't it's going to be tough work to get a result from this. It's a good wicket but it's up to us to make things happen," he said.