Our focus is on the one-day series - Mahela

CRICKET: Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said that his team would use the twenty20 match against PCA Masters XI to prepare for the all-important five one-day internationals against England.

"We are not taking the twenty20 games seriously but will be using as a platform to prepare ourselves towards the one-day series. All our energies will be directed towards achieving that end," said Jayawardene on the eve of their match against the PCA Masters XI, which was scheduled to get underway at Arundel Castle cricket grounds in Sussex here late Tuesday. The scheduled start of the match is 5.30 p.m. (SLT 10 p.m.).

A comprehensive program has been drawn up before the event with a champagne reception followed by a three-course lunch in private marques and a Q&A hosted by former England fast bowler Gladstone Small.

The match between Sri Lanka and PCA Masters is the final item in the itinerary for the day. The Professional Cricketers Association (PCA) Masters XI has more or less replaced the traditional Duke of Norfolk's XI fixture against all touring teams to England.

The PCA Masters came into being in 2002, and its opening fixture was against the Sri Lanka Test touring side played at the Denis Compton Oval at Shenley. Sri Lanka won that inaugural 40-overs a side encounter by eight runs. Sri Lanka scored 242-9 and PCA Masters 234-6.

Last year the Australians beat PCA Masters XI by eight wickets in a twenty20 match overhauling the total of 167 with a ball to spare.

The Masters concept is simple. It brings together stars from county and international cricket, both current and past players, to play in showcase matches.

The PCA Masters plays about 10 competitive matches per summer against international touring sides, counties, and amateur clubs. The Masters raises valuable funds for the PCA Benevolent Fund and brings together players, commercial partners and cricket fans in a unique way. The players are central to the direction of the PCA and play an active role in the development and progression of their association.

Meanwhile, England also prepared for their Twenty20 International against Sri Lanka at the Rose Bowl on Thursday with a warm-up match against Ireland in Belfast today (Tuesday). Andrew Strauss, England's acting captain in the absence of Michael Vaughan and Andrew Flintoff is leading the side.

Strauss in fact will lead England in the five-match one-day international series against Sri Lanka starting at Lord's on Saturday.