Cricket: England prosper in warm-up game

ENGLAND wrapped up victory by an innings and 15 runs in their first warm-up match against a Sri Lankan Board XI in Colombo as their bowlers once again shone.

England’s attack was blameless for the side’s Test travails against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and once again proved reliable as they skittled their hosts for 119 on the third afternoon.

England, with Alastair Cook 163no overnight, declared on 303 for eight before play began – a lead of 134 proving enough as James Anderson, Steven Finn and Graeme Swann each picked up three wickets.

Monty Panesar, who took five in the first innings, took the remaining scalp. The declaration yielded immediate success when Anderson struck with the third ball of the morning. Anderson had also been impressive on day one of the match, claiming the first four wickets.