Sri Lanka made a steady start to be 35 without loss against England at tea on a rain-marred opening day of the first Test at Sophia Gardens here on Thursday. Left-hander Tharanga Paranavitana was 16 not out and Sri Lanka captain Tillakaratne Dilshan 18 not out in the first of this three-match series.
Ashes star James Anderson, after Sri Lanka won the toss and batted, produced a miserly opening spell of seven overs for seven runs, including two maidens, but was unable to induce a chance despite repeatedly beating the bat. Anderson appealed for a catch by Andrew Strauss at slip when Paranavitana had made 16 but this was turned down and the England captain wisely chose not to refer the decision, with replays showing the ball had hit the back pad.
Meanwhile first change Chris Tremlett's four overs cost just five runs. But Stuart Broad, playing his first Test since a stomach injury in November cut short his Ashes involvement, was more expensive. Rain, which washed out the morning session and half the second, meant only 48 overs were due to be bowled on the first day.