I try just to kiss the pitch and get them to nick it through to the 'keeper Liam Plunkett

Liam Plunkett, who took 3-43 for England on day one against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston, said it was important for him to keep producing the goods.

Durham ace Plunkett said: "Hopefully I can have a few more days like this. I need to keep taking wickets to keep me in contention for the next Test."

His county colleague Steve Harmison is primed to return at Trent Bridge.

Plunkett added: "Taking two wickets in my first over was a pleasure having waited so long at Lord's to get going."

Interview: Liam Plunkett

The 22-year-old was regarded as one of England's unluckiest bowlers in the first Test when he bowled well with little reward in Sri Lanka's defiant second innings.

Though that match was drawn, the ball was firmly in England's court after Thursday's play in Birmingham, in which the hosts made 138-3 replying to Sri Lanka's 143.

Plunkett had been disappointed with his first couple of spells at Lord's, when he had struggled to find his rhythm.

He said: "I find it hard to get a rhythm but getting overs under my belt really helps me and then I can focus on getting my line and length.

"It was helpful conditions for the bowlers out there in the morning.

"It was nipping around and swinging, so it was good to lose the toss and get the chance to bowl and pick up a few wickets.

"Throughout my short career so far, the plan has been just to kiss the pitch and try to get them to nick it through to the 'keeper.

The boys are not happy at the moment but they'll put up a good show tomorrow morning Chaminda Vaas

"Obviously now we will try to get as many runs as we can on the board, then come out second innings fighting and try to knock them over fairly quickly."

Chaminda Vaas, who top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 30, said the specialist batsmen had failed in their duties.

He said: "The surface is all right. It was a good toss to win but the top order didn't capitalise.

"I'm very happy with the way I'm batting and I want to get runs for the team."

Vaas said there was no reason for Sri Lanka to despair.

"If we can get them out for between 250 and 300, we have a good chance to come back.

"I think we have a good chance to win or go for a draw. The boys are not happy at the moment but they'll put up a good show tomorrow morning."