 |  They hung in there and we are strong for Kandy |
England captain Michael Vaughan hailed a great team effort after his side escaped with a draw in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. England were one wicket away from defeat when they accepted the offer to go off for bad light.
Vaughan said: "I think we can be very proud of the team. To lose the toss on this pitch and fight for five days is an exceptional effort."
"It was pretty nervous in the dressing room. We showed great character."
Spin bowler Ashley Giles was instrumental in England's survival, hanging on for 111 balls after tea for figures of 17 not out.
"Ashley had a fantastic game and there were some fantastic performances throughout the team.
"It was nervy seeing 'Hoggy' [Matthew Hoggard, the last man] stroll to the wicket but they hung in there."
Vaughan is now hopeful of a strong showing in the second Test, which starts in Kandy on Wednesday.
"We will go there and look to put in a similar performance," Vaughan said.
Sri Lankan captain Hashan Tillakaratne refused to be downcast despite coming within a whisker of claiming victory.
He said: "I just want to thank the boys for playing such lovely cricket. The weather was not with us but we can't blame it.
"We need to brush up a few areas before the next match but we will regroup and play good cricket in the next two matches."
Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was named man of the match after claiming 11 wickets.
He said: "It was a good performance. The wicket was turning, helping me, and I should bowl well on these wickets."
"It is frustrating not to win but it is OK because there are another two games to go. We will come strong in the next game."
MMIX
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