Vaughan dominates opening session

Vaughan, 33, dominated the scoring on the opening morning after winning the toss, just as he did four years ago when Sri Lanka triumphed by a whopping innings-and-215-run margin.

He reached his 50 with a pull to fine-leg off Dilhara Fernando, the second of his three boundaries in the over, and had reached 74 not out in a lunch total of 97 without loss. Opening partner Alastair Cook progressed at a more sedate pace, scratching his way to 21.

He more than doubled his personal tally in the 23rd over of the innings, in fact, by greeting the start of Muttiah Muralitharan's second spell by milking 10 runs, including two fours.

The Sri Lankans only created one chance in the pre-lunch period, shortly after the drinks break, but fluffed it as left-hander Cook, on eight, edged fast bowler Fernando: second slip Mahela Jayawardene dived across Kumar Sangakkara, at first, and the ball ended on the floor off both their hands.

England handed Stuart Broad a debut and recalled former world number one bowler Steve Harmison for the second match of the Investec Series.

With Matthew Hoggard ruled out with a back injury, England opted for extra height with 6ft 7ins Broad and the lanky Harmison edging out James Anderson in the selection equation.

Sri Lanka, who lead 1-0 with two to play, drafted in Upul Tharanga in place of the now retired Sanath Jayasuriya.