Cricket-Sri Lanka fight back on rain-hit day

BIRMINGHAM, England, May 27 (Reuters) Sri Lanka fought back against England on the third day of the second test at Edgbaston today when rain allowed just 34 overs.

After Sri Lanka had slipped to 56-4 in their second innings on Friday, opener Michael Vandort (89 not out) and Tillekeratne Dilshan (59) put on 125 for the fifth wicket.

Sri Lanka were 40 runs ahead at the close. Leading spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has said they will be looking for a lead of at least 150 to stand a chance of a shock victory.

The Lankans salvaged an unlikely draw in the first test at Lord's after following on.

Reuters CH BST2359