Cricket News

Michael Vaughan believes England are ready to face Sri Lanka in the first Test at Kandy on Saturday, after their five-wicket victory over the Sri Lanka Board President's XI in Colombo

Kevin Pietersen produced his first half-century of the tour and Alastair Cook continued his recent good form, as England wrapped up a morale-boosting victory over the Sri Lanka Board President's XI at Colombo

Steve Harmison's participation in the first Test at Kandy remains in severe doubt after he was sent for a scan on the back injury he sustained while bowling on the opening day of England's warm-up match in Colombo

Steve Harmison's participation in the first Test at Kandy remains in severe doubt after he was sent for a scan on the back injury he sustained while bowling on the opening day of England's warm-up match in Colombo

Matthew Hoggard has seen it all before in the course of his 64-Test career, while Ravi Bopara is still in his international infancy, but both men look set to feature in the first Test at Kandy next week after carrying England's fortunes on a fluctuating s

As if getting bowled out for 134 was not bad enough for England's cricketers, their troubles increased during the tea break when James Anderson joined Steve Harmison on the casualty list.

Matthew Hoggard demonstrated his imperturbability in the face of a bowling crisis, while Ravi Bopara rose to the occasion with both bat and - less expectedly - the new ball

Steve Harmison's hopes of playing in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Kandy next week were dealt a major blow when he limped off the field during England's final warm-up match at the Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo

Steve Harmison's new back injury cast a shadow over what was otherwise an encouraging day's labour for England's bowlers, as Matthew Hoggard and Monty Panesar warmed up for the first Test with three wickets apiece

Steve Harmison has been granted his wish, and will play in Sunday's final warm-up against a Sri Lanka Board President's XI at the Nondescripts ground in Colombo, with a view to securing his place in next week's first Test at Kandy