Paul Farbrace, the England assistant coach, leaves the ground after the warm-up match was called off due to heavy rain in Colombo ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty ImagesEngland suffered a setback in their preparations for next week’s first Test against Sri Lanka after the opening day of their final warm-up match was washed out. The tourists 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. An agreement has been hatched to turn the planned two-day fixture into a 50-over-a-side game on Friday but with weather forecasts in the area unpromising, 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 just two days of red-ball cricket under their belt. There will be particular frustration for the spinner Jack Leach and the pace…

Source: The Times November 01, 2018 09:00 UTC