Tropical storm washes out play.

The start of the third and final unofficial test match at Uyanwatta Stadium, Matara, was delayed due to a leak in the covers and then prematurely curtailed by a thunderous tropical storm. Only 19 overs were possible during the day. Zimbabwe, who had lost the toss and were put into bat, crawled to 28-2 at the close.

Such was the severity of the storm that the start of play tomorrow is almost certain to be delayed, if not abandoned. Ankle deep standing water covers much of the ground after 40 minutes of torrential rain. It would be a miracle if the rain had not seeped under these basic covers.

In the short play that was possible, Zimbabwe really struggled on a pitch of uneven pace and bounce. After the initial five overs there was serious conjecture as to whether the pitch was too dangerous too play on. Certainly it looks to be under prepared. This ground is owned by the local council and is used for a variety of sports and community functions. It is thus understandable, though still disappointing that the stadium remains and eveloped.

Gavin Rennie (1) was the first to go in just the 3rd over when he was adjudged LBW for the third innings in succession. Umpire Asoka De Silva was quick to raise his finger and was in no doubt, despite the fact that Gavin Rennie had taken a considerable stride forward.

In the following over Douglas Marillier (0) tried to leave a delivery from Randi Dilhara Fernando but was forced into evasive action when the ball cut sharply back into him. The ball hit his gloves and looped towards Avishka Gunawardena in the gully.

Greg Lamb (16*) was almost immediately struck on the body by a delivery that rose alarmingly. In the next over a bouncer from Dinusha Fernando that bounced twice, was followed by a delivery that kicked from a length.

After the early overs the wicket appeared to calm somewhat. Nevertheless the batsmen were regularly forced into evasive action by the Sri Lankan openers, who continued their policy of bowling short to the visitors. However they were thwarted in their attempts to make further breakthroughs by an obstinate Raymond Price (3*). Zimbabwe's left arm spinner batted at number 11 in their last practice game. However he has been rewarded for his fine batting in the second test match. A batsmen of limited strokes but maximum determination, he has already done a good job for his side with some sound defence against the new ball. However his strike rate needs a little improvement if he is to score a century. His 3 runs have so far taken 50 deliveries! Just before the close Greg Lamb was reprieved when Indika de Saram dropped him at first slip off the bowling of Rangana Herath.

Zimbabwe have made two changes to their side. Dion Ebrahim, who played in the first test match but was dropped in the second, was recalled while the highly talented Greg Lamb was given an opportunity at last. Brighton Watambwa, a fast bowler from Masonaland, has arrived as cover for the depleted seam bowling attack but was selected for the test match.

Sri Lanka have rested Kaushalya Weereatne and are playing their leg-spinner, Malinga Bandara.