Bell crafted an impressive 83 for England in Kandy

The Sri Lanka spinner took four wickets on day two in Kandy to equal Shane Warne's mark of 708 and leave England 186-6, two adrift of Sri Lanka's 188.

"We haven't talked about it in the dressing room," said Bell, who hit 83.

"It's important we build partnerships and get a decent lead so we can attack with the new ball when it comes."

Interview: Ian Bell

Muralitharan claimed four quick wickets in a devastating spell to derail England before rain brought an early halt to the day's play.

The important thing is that we make Murali work very hard for his wickets Ian Bell

Bell, though, insists England are still in a good position.

"In Sri Lanka, and certainly on the sub-continent, session by session is so important.

"You don't want to lose too many sessions too badly and I'm certain I'd rather be in our dressing room than Sri Lanka's at the minute.

606: DEBATE Discuss the day's play on 606

"If we can get the sort of start we did in the first innings it's going to give us a great opportunity of winning this Test match."

The task of building England's lead will revolve around Paul Collingwood (14 not out) and Ryan Sidebottom on day three but Bell says the visitors must not be afraid of Muralitharan.

"Obviously, Murali is a world-class bowler and it's always going to be hard for new guys going in there and facing him from ball one," said Bell.

"He's going to bowl a lot of overs against us and he's going to take a lot of wickets but the important thing is that we make him work very hard for those wickets.

It was disappointing for all that the rain came but I am sure Murali will get there soon Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss

"It's important when you play any world-class spinner to look to rotate the strike and look to be positive.

"I'm sure any spinner doesn't like batters that are quick on their feet and who show that they're going to come at them a bit.

"As long as everyone has got a game plan and they stick to that I'm sure well be fine in the morning."

Sri Lanka's Australian coach Trevor Bayliss said the team was disappointed the record did not come Muralitharan's way on Sunday.

"It was disappointing for all that the rain came but I am sure Murali will get there soon, so we are just trying to focus on the team's performance" said Bayliss.

"We knew if we kept getting wickets we would be back in the Test. Hopefully we will keep England down and match them in the second innings.