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Start of Galle Test delayed

17/12/2007

The start time for tomorrow's third and final Test match between England and Sri Lanka in Galle has been put back by two hours due to heavy rain.

The first day's play was due to begin at 10:00 local time (04:30 GMT) but because of continued unseasonal showers in the area the first session has been ruled out for play.

Ground staff have been working around the clock to prepare the ground for the decisive match of the series, which England must win to avoid defeat.

Galle was one of the worst-hit areas when the south-east Asian tsunami struck Sri Lanka three years ago.

And tomorrow's Test is set to be the first to be played at the ground since it was left underwater by the natural disaster.

Playing conditions were looking promising up until heavy rain prevented groundstaff from preparing a Test match pitch this afternoon as they removed covers from the strip to allow it to air properly.

Covers were removed but heavy rain began to fall soon after, meaning the ground remains damp and unsuitable for play to start promptly in the morning.

International Cricket Council match referee Jeff Crowe took what he believed had become an "inevitable step" and informed both sides that the first session would be scrapped.

A lack of practice facilities and difficult conditions in Galle have not resulted in criticism from the England team however, who have publicly expressed their support for the campaign to return Test cricket to the beleaguered region.