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Harmison: We battle on

12/12/2007

Steve Harmison says England will not throw in the towel in the second Test despite Sri Lanka racing into a 197-run first innings lead.

The hosts declared on 548-9 to take charge of the second Test in Colombo, leaving Michael Vaughan's team struggling to salvage a draw.

But Harmison, who finished on 3-111, says England are determined to avoid handing Sri Lanka an insurmountable 2-0 lead in the series after they won the first Test in Kandy.

"You have to keep your spirits going; if you die in a hole, you are just going to get battered," he told the website of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The fast bowler, who has endured a 2007 punctuated by injury problems, added that he was pleased with his efforts in Sri Lanka so far.

"As long as I can look in the mirror at the end of the day and say I have given everything, I am happy - and I feel as though I have," he explained.

"I got my Test place back and all I want to do is play for England. I feel as though I can go to bed tonight, sleep easy and be happy with my day's work."

Sri Lanka batsman Prasanna Jayawardene, who made 79, praised namesake captain Mahela Jayawardene and coach Trevor Bayliss.

"We had a plan from our captain and coach," he said.

"Always I play for the plan; I don't want to play for myself."

England are currently on 48 without loss in their second innings after Michael Vaughan (28 not out) and Alastair Cook (19) safely avoided any early dismissals.