Ian Bell has admitted that England's batsmen let down the bowling attack in their first innings in Sri Lanka.

England were skittled for 193 on day two of the first Test in Galle after restricting the hosts to 318.

"It's a real shame and it's not through lack of effort but it's disappointing not to back up our bowlers," said Bell.

"We definitely let them down, no doubt. Our bowlers have been outstanding again for the fourth Test this winter.

"What we wanted to do was to give those bowlers a good rest. If you give them a day and a half relaxing they're going to come out [hard] again. In a way we let them down by not giving them that time."

Sri Lanka are currently 84/5 and lead by 209 runs.