COLOMBO (Reuters):

ENGLAND'S OPENERS survived a tricky final session after fine batting from Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene and Prasanna Jayawardene had put the hosts in charge on day four of the second Test yesterday.

Michael Vaughan (28 not out) and Alastair Cook (19 not out) took England to 48 without loss, when bad light stopped play after the Sri Lankans had amassed 548 for nine declared for a first-innings lead of 197.

lankans eye victory

Vaughan again showed his touch from the first innings and helped England reduce the deficit to 149 runs with Sri Lanka eyeing a final-day push for victory and a decisive 2-0 series lead.

Mahela Jayawardene fell five runs short of a double century in the morning session, finishing with 195 from 422 balls with 16 fours and a six, after Sri Lanka resumed on 379 for four.

He top-edged a slog-sweep off Monty Panesar and was caught at slip by Paul Collingwood.

Wicketkeeper Prasanna Jaya-wardene then scored 79 from 161 balls with six fours before edging a catch behind off Steve Harmison.

Jayawardene added 108 for the ninth wicket with Dilhara Fernando, who scored, a career-best, 36 not out.

England's weary bowlers, forced to toil for 186.5 overs in the field, fought back in the morning session with three wickets.

The third and final Test starts in Galle on Tuesday.