Cricket:England's homecoming against Sri Lanka was delayed by rain but an upturn in conditions meant play was scheduled to begin this afternoon.
Fans at Cardiff’s Stadum were hoping to see Andrew Strauss’ side in test action for the first time since their Ashes success this winter but poor weather this morning left no chance of getting started on time at 11am.
After inspecting the pitch umpires Billy Doctrove and Aleem Dar took an early lunch at midday. Further rain ruined any chance of beginning the revised afternoon session as planned but the worst of the weather eased off as the day continued.
Sri Lanka’s new captain Tillakaratne Dilshan won the toss and opted to bat first but a new, heavy shower threatened the planned start of play.
England named the expected XI, with Steven Finn the odd man out as James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Tremlett were the chosen seamers. The tourists sprang something of a surprise by selecting a second spinner, Ajantha Mendis, instead of seamer Chanaka Welegedara.