Rain pain hampers England preparations

ENGLAND suffered a setback in their preparations for next week’s first Test against Sri Lanka when the opening day of their final warm-up match was washed out.

The team had not even left their hotel when the decision was taken to abandon the day’s play against a Board XI at Colombo Cricket Club, with assistant coach Paul Farbrace on hand to make his own assessment of a waterlogged outfield.

An agreement has been hatched to turn the planned two-day fixture into a 50-over-a-side game today, but, with weather forecasts in the area mixed, there is a chance even that may not be fulfilled.

Should that be the case, England will travel to Galle for the series opener with Sri Lanka with just two days of red-ball cricket under their belt.

Spinner Jack Leach had more reason to feel frustrated than most and admitted to “itchy feet”.

If Galle provide the kind of turning track it is renowned for, Leach will surely be a strong candidate for a second Test cap, but he is still waiting for his first meaningful action of the trip.

“It’s frustrating for everyone, but obviously I want to get out there and get into the tour and start turning my arm over,” he told BBC’s Radio’s Test Match Special.

“You get a bit of itchy feet, you’re watching and thinking ‘I’d love to get my first few overs bowled’ but I’ve been working hard in the nets, bowling a lot and feeling good.”