Skipper Kumar Sangakkara felt his bowlers had put in an "impressive" performance despite the second Test between Sri Lanka and India ending in a high-scoring draw in Colombo.
On a largely lifeless SSC pitch, Sri Lanka racked up a mammoth 642-run first-innings total thanks largely to a double century from Sangakkara and a 174 from Mahela Jayawardene.
However, India were able to surpass the total - and secure a 65-run lead - as Sachin Tendulkar secured his fifth double century in Tests while Suresh Raina reached his maiden century on debut.
Sri Lanka's bowling attack fared relatively better than their opposition's with Ajantha Mendis snapping up four wickets, whereas part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan grabbed figures of three for 56 in his 27 overs.
"It was hard work for the bowlers," Sangakkara said.
"But our guys impressed today. We were always on the attack, always had catchers around the batsmen and we didn't let anything slip."
Having won the first match at Galle, Sri Lanka remain poised to go second in the International Cricket Council world Test rankings, provided they win the third and final game - due to start on Tuesday.
But Sangakkara was not getting carried away, saying: "We just have to concentrate on playing a good Test match. There are a lot of positives to take regarding our batting and bowling in this Test.
"We probably need to brush up a bit on our fielding. It's hard to keep concentration out there for long periods of time, but you have to be fit enough to do that. A half-chance for a wicket on a track like this is really important."
India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni also praised his bowlers for their efforts on the flat track, but maintained the pitch could use a makeover to ensure "interesting" games in the future.
"If there's a bit more turn - if not for the fast bowlers but for the spinners - it would make things interesting. It doesn't have to be a bouncy or seaming track. It just needs to be a sporty track."
On India's hopes of salvaging a 1-1 series draw, Dhoni added: "We've got plenty of learning from the last two Test matches to do. So let's hope for the best in the third game."
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