Swann glides through feeble Sri Lankan resistance

England A, powered by the offspin of Graeme Swann and helped by another feeble display by Sri Lanka A's top order, coasted to a comfortable 197-run victory in the first unofficial Test at the Colombo Cricket Club, maintaining the momentum of a successful tour that began in the UAE, and embarrassing a Sri Lanka team well-suited to the conditions.

As expected after the early finish last evening, England declared overnight, leaving Sri Lanka A with an improbable 437-run target. With an early start, bright sunshine and a flat pitch, it was not an impossible chase but Sri Lanka soon lost their way and at 71 for 5 well before lunch it was effectively all over.

A couple of Sri Lanka A's top order had a perfect opportunity to improve their chances of flying to New Zealand with the senior team, but they all left the selectors with their questions unanswered. Avishka Gunawardene (8) was caught slashing and Ian Daniel (25) nicked a back-of-a-length ball to third slip before Thilana Kamdamby (0) paid for a rash cut stroke.

England's bowling, like most of their cricket in contrast to Sri Lanka throughout the four days, was consistent and disciplined. David Harrison was rewarded for swing and accuracy with the new ball, taking 2 for 20, while Sajid Mahmood also snapped up a brace of important scalps.

But the star of the show for England was Swann, who teased out the tail with tight and cleverly flighted offbreaks. He got some stick along the way, especially as Thushara Mirando (69) clubbed straight down the ground (and out of the ground on one occasion), but Swann generally out-foxed players who are expected to handle the slow bowlers comfortably, having been raised on a diet of spin.

Both teams will now rest for two days before the second Test starts on Sunday, also in Colombo at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground.