Rain holds up Sri Lanka again

Rain washed out most of the second day of the Sri Lankans' match with the British Universities at Northampton, further curtailing their preparations for the first Test at Lord's which starts in less than a fortnight.

Just two hours' play was possible this morning, after which the students were 346 runs behind with eight first-innings wickets remaining.

Chaminda Vaas took both the wickets, first having Will Jefferson caught at short leg by Thilan Samaraweera. James Adams was Vaas' second victim when he was caught by Russel Arnold at second slip for 12 in the seventh over.

John Francis and Jamie Dalrymple then saw the Universities through to lunch on 37 for two, at which point the skies opened, preventing any further play for the day.

Earlier, the Sri Lankans declared on 383 for eight after Vaas reached his half-century off just 68 balls, with eight fours and a six.

The one wicket to fall was that of Charitha Fernando, who was caught by Joe Porter off Mark Tournier, who finished with career-best figures of five for 88.