England were four for no loss in their second innings at stumps on the fourth day when rain stopped play an over after tea, with Marcus Trescothick batting on four with captain Michael Vaughan.

The hosts were indebted to Jayawardene for setting a challenging target on a turning track as the stylish middle-order batsman returned to form with a timely half-century.

England now face a tough task on a fifth-day pitch on Saturday, especially after off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan's seven-wicket haul in the first innings and past record.

The highest fourth-innings target achieved to win a Test in Sri Lanka is 326, by the hosts against Zimbabwe at Colombo in 1997-98.

The day belonged to Jaya-wardene, who scored runs just when his team needed them most.

He thwarted the England attack for two sessions before running out of partners, compiling his highest score since his century in England in May 2002.

"It's definitely one of my best Test knocks," said Jayawardene.

"I was not really under pressure about keeping my place in the side, but it was still a much-needed innings for me."

Resuming at 99-5, Sri Lanka were put on the right track by Jayawardene who batted comfortably against both spin and pace during his 311-minute stay at the crease. He hit seven fours in his 18th half-century in 52 Tests.

Jayawardene, 14 overnight, initially batted cautiously before going for his strokes in last-man Muralitharan's company. The pair added 46 crucial runs for the last wicket.

He was also involved in two more useful stands, putting on 38 for the sixth wicket with Chaminda Vaas and 40 for the next with Upul Chandana.

"I knew our tail-enders were capable of batting and it was important for me to hang in there. I think the runs scored by our lower-order could prove to be decisive," said Jayawardene.

"I hope tomorrow will be bright and sunny so that we can go for a win. A couple of early wickets will be ideal and then Murali could come up with his magic."

Vaas, promoted in the batting order, spent 104 minutes at the crease for his 19 runs before falling to a controversial decision.

Indian umpire Srinivas Venkataraghavan ruled Vaas out caught by debutant Paul Collingwood at forward short-leg off left-arm spinner Ashley Giles, but TV replays showed the ball had hit only the pad.

Giles then trapped Chandana leg-before to emerge as the most successful bowler with 4-64 off 40 overs.

Off-spinner Gareth Batty bagged 3-55, while seamers Andrew Flintoff and Matthew Hoggard shared two wickets.

Nearly 80 minutes' play was lost due to rain in the first two sessions.