First-innings lead crucial, says Liton

A record 271-run sixth-wicket stand that featured magnificent hundreds from Liton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim saw Bangladesh post 365 in their first innings before Sri Lanka replied well, riding on a 95-run opening stand between skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando before Ebadot Hossain removed the latter for 57 runs.

In the final hour of the day, Shakib Al Hasan brought the Tigers back into the game by removing Kusal Mendis as Sri Lanka ended the second day on 143 for two, still trailing by 222.

According to Liton, it will be crucial that the hosts scalp early wickets on the third day, especially as Bangladesh aim to take a healthy lead.

"I think Sri Lanka are still behind. If we can pick up a few early wickets in the first hour of the [third] day, then we will have the upper hand. The first innings is crucial. If they get close to our total or go past it, then we will be on the back foot. So it will be important to take a first-innings lead," Liton opined.

The 27-year-old, who has been in prolific form recently, added that it would be necessary for Bangladesh's seamers to take responsibility and keep things tight.

"There was some help for the seamers on the first two days but there wasn't much for the spinners. Still, our spinners bowled really well. I think our two frontline seamers need to take responsibility. Even if they don't pick up wickets, it is important that they keep things tight and put them under pressure," he said.

Liton also mentioned that he had made some changes to his training routine and credited Bangladesh's former batting coach, Ashwell Prince, for his improvement.