Moores was disappointed to lose Alastair Cook before stumps

Mahela Jayawardene's men set England an improbable target of 350 in Kandy and the tourists will resume on 9-1.

To compound their problems, seamer Matthew Hoggard injured his back and is a doubt for the second Test on Sunday.

"The lads did put in the work but they have got some more to do to save the Test," said Moores.

"I think the wicket has shown if you get in on it you can play. We have seen off the seamers all game and they will have to bowl well."

England toiled on day four as Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara hit a superb 152 to establish a lead of 349 before declaring on 422-8.

"I thought they might have pulled out earlier, being positive and had more time at us," said Moores, who was disappointed to lose Alastair Cook before the close of play.

"It was a tough day. Sangakkara is in prime form and backed up and made it hard work.

"It was a shame to lose Cook last thing but we worked hard.

"It was frustrating. We were looking for a break and it was hard work on that wicket.

"It did reverse swing a little and we were unlucky but give them credit.

"They did well energy-wise and buzzed around all day."

Hoggard, who had taken 2-55 off 18 overs during Sri Lanka's second innings, was unable to take to the field after tea having suffered a recurrence of a lower back injury that bothered him last summer.

Moores was unable to say whether England's most experienced bowler will be fit enough for the second Test in Colombo.

"It's a facet joint of the back. It's sore," he added.