Broad makes breakthrough

Having been asked to field first against a President's XI, it also gave members of the fast-bowling unit a chance to stake their claims for Test recognition, after coach Peter Moores admitted the selection tussle was completely open.

Beanpole Broad was into the attack for the 12th over of the innings and struck in his second over when Dilruwan Perera gloved one through to the wicketkeeper attempting to withdraw his hands from the line of a short one.

That was the solitary success in the morning session, however, as Sri Lanka took lunch on 78 for one.

Broad would have doubled his wicket tally but Ian Bell failed to hold on at gully from Malinda Warnapura.

Ryan Sidebottom and Matthew Hoggard took the new ball while James Anderson's back trouble eased sufficiently for him to come on first change.

Upul Tharanga, vying for a Test recall after flying home early from the tour of Australia to play, and Dilruwan Perera both drove early boundaries as England's attack strived to rid itself of rustiness.

Left-armer Sidebottom enjoyed a highly-successful first trip here this winter, claiming the man-of-the-series award in a 3-2 victory in the one-dayers. But his return began with an official warning for running on the pitch in only his second over.

England have been granted to employ all 16 members of their touring party during the three-day match, although Steve Harmison was still in transit when things got under way at the Colombo Cricket Club.

The Sri Lankan representative side, led by discarded Test batsman Tillekaratne Dilshan, included 10 full internationals.