Zoysa returns as new first class season gets underway

As Sri Lanka took on Pakistan in Sharjah and the West Indies limbered up in their first practice session of a seven-week tour, Sri Lanka's first class cricketers began another season.

This years tournament has been revamped, with the better sides not having to play against the weakest teams and slightly less cricket all round, but even the best spin doctor wouldn't be able to look you in the eye and say that a new, exciting, high quality domestic tournament is now underway.

Nevertheless, for journeymen and ambitious young prospects, the importance of the tournament is not measured in media hype. The stadiums may remain eerily quiet, apart from a few soggy arrack drinkers in the pavilion, but this is still first class cricket and a vehicle for selectorial recognition.

The top four sides - NCC, BRC, Colts, and SSC - have already qualified for a Super League stage. They will play each other until the remaining 12 teams have completed a qualifying round in which six sides proceed to the Super League.

NCC, last years champs, started disastrously today. They were bowled out for 134 by SSC, who were boosted by the availability of left-arm fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa, making a comeback from an ankle injury, and Suresh Perera, who grabbed four wickets.

At Havelock Park, last years runners up, BRC, took on Colts CC. Leg-spinning all-rounder Suranjith Silva, making his debut for the club after a move from SSC, helped bowl out Colts for 281 as he grabbed six wickets.