Harmison's endeavour typified England's toil in the field in Colombo as he finished with three for 111 in a Sri Lanka total of 548 for nine declared, which owed most to 195 from captain Mahela Jayawardene.
But after England's openers had wiped out 48 of their first-innings deficit of 197 for no loss and bad light and rain had brought an early close, Harmison professed optimism that they can blunt the obvious last-day threat of Muttiah Muralitharan and close out a draw.
Reflecting on his own labours, he told Sky Sports: "It's one of those wickets where there wasn't a great deal in it for the seamers - and we couldn't get it to reverse-swing either
"It's been a long couple of days. We've had to fight hard."
Reprising coach Peter Moores' assessment from the previous evening, Harmison was at pains to stress England's resilience - adding it could yet see them square the series.
"We showed great determination with the ball - and then the two batsmen at the end showed what a spirit this England team has," he pointed out.
"We hope we can bat all day tomorrow, come out with a draw and go to Galle to level the series."
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