England frustrated after rain washes out play

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-overa-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”.

Should 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 having been left out of the previous fixture alongside Olly Stone.

“It’s frustrating for everyone, but obviously I want to get out there and get into the tour,” he said.

“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.

“If there’s more rain around it’s about going to Galle, having two days of prep there and putting your name in the hat through nets. Whatever happens I’ll give it my best shot.”

Leach will have to wait for his first bowl in Sri Lanka (Mike Egerton/PA)

The Somerset spinner has a right to curse his ill-fortune, with England managing a full 180 overs in their first game this week, but it is hardly the biggest setback he has faced.

After making a well-earned debut in Christchurch in March he looked set to play a big part in the domestic summer only for a broken thumb to rule him out of the Pakistan series.

On his comeback the 27-year-old suffered a concussion after being struck on the helmet by Surrey’s Morne Morkel and was ultimately judged too short of match practice to face India.

Having also seen his international prospects dented when the legality of his bowling action was questioned in 2016, one suspects he can cope with the occasional rain delay.

“There’s been difficult moments along the way but that’s how cricket goes and how life goes,” he said.

“The lows definitely make the highs sweeter, I guess. It’s important to always have perspective, keeping looking forward not back, to not feel sorry for yourself but keep pushing forward and seek your next opportunity.

“When I enjoy it that’s when I play my best cricket. That’s what I’m looking to do. I’m looking to make the biggest impact I can.”