England secure draw

Rain prevented any play after tea but Michael Vaughan's team had already warded off any chance of defeat by reaching the second interval on 250 for three - a lead of 53 runs.

Despite losing two wickets in the first hour of the afternoon session - Alastair Cook to the first ball after lunch and Ian Bell needlessly caught at long-on - which left them seven runs ahead with seven wickets in hand, time and the weather was on England's side.

Captain Vaughan followed his first-innings 87 with a stylish 61, which was terminated by a chipped return catch to Dilhara Fernando.

Once again he shared a century stand with Cook - the first time an English opening pair have managed two in a Test since Geoff Boycott and John Edrich against Australia in 1970-71 - and their efforts meant England, who resumed on 48 without loss, were in credit in mid-afternoon.

Cook brought up his 50 shortly after a 20-minute stoppage for rain, while Bell began his innings with some confident strokes.

Muttiah Muralitharan switched ends in a bid to add to his five-wicket haul in the first innings, but it was Chamara Silva who gained the second breakthrough after the interval when Cook lurched forward and the ball spun out of the rough to take the edge.

Bell and Kevin Pietersen combined well to get their side into the lead, Bell registering his third 50 of the series. But an indiscreet shot moments later against Murali gave the Sri Lankans hope as he picked out the lanky Michael Vandort at long-on.

However, Pietersen reached the second interval unbeaten on 45 and Paul Collingwood was 23 not out as dark clouds descended on the ground.