Sri Lanka take on England Lions in warm-up game

Rex Clementine in Worcester

Cricket tours to England are something that you looked forward to for other than the Test matches, you play half a dozen warm-up games as well. Big Test venues are fine, but the practice matches that take place in tiny county grounds have their own charm. In 2002 when Sri Lanka toured England for example, they played five warm-up games before the first Test and two more games against English counties in between Tests. Before the first Test began, Sri Lanka were well seasoned having spent four weeks in England.

Times have changed though. Packed international cricket calendars mean that there is very little time for warm-up games these days and on this tour Sri Lanka will play just one practice game. That game will take place today in Worcester – a four day match against England Lions.

What composition Sri Lanka will play remains to be seen, but ideally they would want their batters to spend sufficient time at the crease before the first Test in Manchester that gets underway next week.

Middle order batter Kamindu Mendis, who hit a purple patch during Sri Lanka’s last Test series in Bangladesh is unavailable for the game as he has been held up in Colombo with his visa delayed. He is expected to join the squad later in the week.

Britain is going through a tough time with riots taking place in certain parts of the country. These riots staged against migrants have resulted in stabbings reported in certain areas.

The Sri Lankan team is accompanied by retired Major General Swarna Bothota, Senior Security Manager of SLC. He was the Defense Attache of Sri Lankan High Commission in London sometime back. The players and support staff have been told to be cautious when going out and return to team hotel early after dinner due to security concerns.

England have been dealt a severe blow as well ahead of the Test series with captain Ben Stokes suffering a hamstring injury. Stokes is doubtful for the series and at least will miss the first Test. Ollie Pope is expected to lead the side in his absence.

Sri Lanka are placed fourth in the ICC Test Championship with England in sixth position. A series win will enable Sri Lanka to climb up to the top rank. The top two ranked teams will play the final next year at Lord’s.

Apart from the England series, Sri Lanka have three more series left in the World Test Championship. While they will host New Zealand and Australia, they will tour South Africa in December.

India are top of the points table followed by Australia.