Sanath Jayasuriya: a role-model for Pakistan's batsmen © Getty Images

Bob Woolmer has already worked some minor miracles in his short stint as Pakistan's coach, but he is well aware that something special will be required on the final day at Faisalabad, if Pakistan are to avoid slumping to defeat against Sri Lanka, Woolmer's first home Test at the helm.

Sanath Jayasuriya set Pakistan up for the fall with a rollicking 253, before Dilhara Fernando completed a deflating day with a four-wicket burst before the close of the fourth day. The upshot was that Pakistan needed a further 314 for victory, with six wickets standing. "It's going to be tough work to save the game," admitted Woolmer, "but we will have a go.

"We've had enough bad sessions to be on the wrong side of this game," he added. "Our batting was disappointing in the first innings to say the least." Pakistan had a golden opportunity to take command of the match after Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Sami dismissed Sri Lanka for 243, but they could muster no more than 264 in reply.

"We are looking for players to bat for two days in Test matches just like Jayasuriya did," added Woolmer, although he admitted that Pakistan's recent schedule had not been in their favour. The team has had a glut of one-day matches since the series against India back in April, and there have been no domestic four-day games in the meantime.

"I would like to see more Test matches," he continued, "so you are not always just playing 15 one-day internationals. Surely there should be three or four Test matches and then five one-day internationals so that players can alternate better."

The Sri Lankan camp was a much happier place, and Jayasuriya was beaming after carrying his side into a winning position. "I have never thought about individual landmarks," he said, "but getting such a score obviously is very pleasing. I hope my innings helps us win this Test match because all of us want to show everyone that Sri Lanka is a team capable of winning abroad.

"It is always important for me when I get runs outside Sri Lanka but I am satisfied today because I scored runs when my team needed it the most."