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Another washout at Colombo

Sri Lanka won the one-day series 1-0 after the final match at the Premadasa Stadium was washed out without a ball being bowled - again



A thunderstorm strikes the Premadasa Stadium
© Wisden Cricinfo
Sri Lanka v England - match abandoned
For the second time in three days, England's chances of levelling the one-day series were dashed after the final match at the Premadasa Stadium was again washed out without a ball being bowled. Thus Sri Lanka won the series 1-0 after their convincing win at Dambulla.
Play was all set to begin on time, but ten minutes before the toss the rain returned, and then progressed into a treacherous thunderstorm which festooned the outfield with puddles. After the storm eventually finished, the umpires waded out to inspect the damage, but they had no choice other than to abandon the match at 5.15pm local time.
Michael Vaughan was understandably disappointed not to get the chance to play, but he was also sympathetic to England's supporters: "I just feel sorry for the fans, they've come here to watch us play and I believe they won't get a refund."
He added: "We were keen to play on Friday, but it's a similar story today. The conditions were just not up to standard. Perhaps playing over here at this time of the year is something that should be looked at."
Duncan Fletcher, England's coach, also vented his frustration: "This would have been a good experience for our young side, to play on these sorts of wickets and improve their techniques, but instead we had to sit and watch the rain."
All eyes now turn to the three-Test series which starts on December 2 at Galle, but neither team will have learnt much about the other after such a damp and drab one-day series.