ENGLAND captain Michael Vaughan has backed his team to see off new world record holder Muttiah Muralitharan and claim victory in the first Test in Kandy.

'Murali' bowled Paul Collingwood to set a new benchmark of 709 Test wickets - one more than the retired Shane Warne - and finished with six for 55 as England were bowled out for 281 by Sri Lanka, a lead of 93 for Vaughan's men.

The hosts were 167 for two at stumps - a lead of 74 - in their second innings as they played themselves right back into contention.

"It always seems to be us," Vaughan told Sky Sports 1 of Muralitharan's magic.

"He's a great performer for the game and Sri Lanka, always a huge threat when we play against him."

Of his side's plans to counter Murali, Vaughan added: "You have to have a defence.

"In England it's a bit easier than on these slower wickets. The amazing thing is his consistency and the area he puts it in. He's a world-class performer.

"We talk about him all the time but the more you play him, you should be able to play better.

"For some of younger ones it's the first time they played him (in the first innings). I thought our plans were pretty good today."