Sri Lanka braced for final warm-up

CRICKET: Sri Lanka's preparations for next week's first Test at Lord's take a significant step-up in tempo at New Road, Worcester tomorrow, when they take on an England A side brimful of talent and players with several points to prove.

The fixture represents a radical departure from the pattern of recent years, in which touring sides were presented with below-strength county opposition. But not before time, the ECB have taken the view that practice against international opposition is an opportunity not to be squandered, and the four-day fixture is sure to be keenly contested.

"These are guys who are not contracted players and I want to repeat the thanks to the counties for enabling us to name the next best XI," said England's chairman of selectors, David Graveney. "It's the first time that has happened.

"The game against the A team is a key game," added Graveney.

"Everyone has seen how opposition counties put our team under pressure leading up to Test matches so I would be expecting these guys to impress in terms of making it extremely difficult for the Sri Lankans to have pressure-free practice."

England A will be led by the Kent batsman Robert Key, who would almost certainly have been recalled to the Test side last winter, had it not been for an untimely shoulder operation. Chris Read, the wicketkeeper, is another man who has designs on an international recall, while a good showing from Durham's Liam Plunkett should guarantee him a place in the Lord's XI and a first home Test appearance.

England's injury problems have already caused some upheaval in the team selection. Sajid Mahmood has already been withdrawn with a view to making his Test debut next week, while Hampshire's Chris Tremlett is sidelined with another injury - this time to his ankle. Jon Lewis and Stuart Broad are given their opportunity to impress, while Graveney described four top-order batsmen - Key, Ed Joyce, Owais Shah and Alastair Cook - as "knocking on the door."

For Sri Lanka's coach, Tom Moody, the New Road match is a return to his home-from-home. He was a fixture at Worcestershire throughout the 1990s, and his knowledge of English early-season conditions is sure to prove invaluable as his squad fine-tune their gameplans. Sri Lanka won their last warm-up game, against Derbyshire on Monday, by six wickets and Moody described the experience as "invaluable practice", after his team overcame chilly conditions and a sporting pitch.

"I thought our players adjusted to the conditions," he added. "It was bitter out there but our guys have reacted very well to it. They've put enough layers on and haven't complained. It can't get any colder and the only way is up from here!"

Moody added that Sri Lanka's Test side is far from finalised, although at least seven of the Derbyshire side are expected to feature at Lord's. Among them is the slingy pace bowler, Lasith Malinga, whom Moody described as "unique".

"He's explosive and has a good record to date," he added. "He offers a nice variation to the attack and he gets the ball through."

Cricinfo