Strauss, Trott hit tons

England captain Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Trott warmed up for next week's Test series against Sri Lanka by slamming centuries in a practice match on Wednesday.

Strauss made 100 and Trott scored 101 before both batsmen retired to give other batsmen a hit-out on the second day of the three-day match against the Sri Lanka Development XI. The pair put on 197 for the opening wicket as the tourists, replying to the home team's 431-6 declared, posted 272-4 before Strauss then declared after tea at the Sinhalese sports club in Colombo.

The development XI raced to 44-1 from eight overs in their second knock by stumps.

Left-handed Strauss hit 13 boundaries and a six and Trott contributed 16 fours to strike timely form before the two-Test series opens in the southern coastal town of Galle on Monday.

The second Test will be played at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo from April 3.

Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell, who followed the openers to the crease, failed to make use of the friendly batting conditions. Bell, who started with a six, made 14 and Pietersen was stumped for 26.

Earlier, the development XI added 55 runs in 10 overs after resuming at their overnight total of 376-5. Angelo Perera smashed seven boundaries and three sixes in his 85. England fast bowler Stuart Broad, who missed the previous practice match due to a sprained ankle, finished with 3-69 on a wicket that offered the bowlers little assistance.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann, whose 21 wicketless overs on the first day cost 102 runs, did not bowl on Wednesday. Seamer Steven Finn claimed 2-93.

The tourists had won the first practice match against the Cricket Board XI by an innings and 15 runs.

Sri Lanka Development XI 431-6 declared (Chamara Silva 163, Thilina Kandamby 64, Angelo Perera 85, Stuart Broad 3-69, Steven Finn 2-93, Samit Patel 1-83) and 44 -1 (Dilshan Munaweera 26)

England 1st innings: 272-4 declared (Andrew Strauss 100 retired, Jonathan Trott 101 retired, Kevin Pieterson 26). AFP