Kandy, April 23 (IANS) Bangladesh bowlers endured a tough day in the field as host Sri Lanka responded strongly with the bat on the third day of the first Test. Sri Lanka ended the day at 229/3, trailing by 312 runs. Earlier, Bangladesh had declared their first innings at 541/7.

Bangladesh resumed their first innings at 474 for four on the third day. Overnight unbeaten batsman Liton Kumar Das played with positive approach and scored his fifty quickly. Liton (50 off 67 balls) was dismissed just after reaching his fifty. His partner Mushfiqur Rahim too registered a half-century and remained unbeaten on 68 before Bangladesh declared their first innings. Left-arm pace bowler Vishwa Fernando bagged four wickets for 96.

In reply, Sri Lanka openers gave their side a strong start, adding 114 runs. Then Mehidy Hasan Miraz gave Bangladesh the first breakthrough by dismissing Lahiru Thirimanne for 58. Taskin Ahmed, at the other end, removed Sri Lanka's No. 3 batsman Oshada Fernando for 20. After a while, spinner Taijul Islam got rid of Angelo Mathews. Mathews, who made 25, looked dangerous during his knock.

But it was Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne who frustrated the Bangladesh bowlers and remained not out on 85. Dhananjaya de Silva was the other batsman at the crease, on 26.

Brief scores:
Bangladesh 541/7 dec. in 173 overs (N Shanto 163, M Haque 127, T Iqbal 90; V Fernando 4/96, L Kumara 1/88, S Lakmal 1/81) vs Sri Lanka 229/3 in 73 overs (D Karunaratne 85 battingt, L Thirimanne 58).

--IANS kh/