England suffered a setback in their preparations for next week’s first Test against Sri Lanka when the opening day of their final warm-up match was washed out.

The team had not even left their hotel when the decision was taken to abandon the day’s play against a Board XI at Colombo Cricket Club, with assistant coach Paul Farbrace on hand to make his own assessment of a waterlogged outfield.

An agreement has been hatched to turn the planned two-day fixture into a 50-over-a-side game on Friday but, with weather forecasts in the area mixed, there is a chance even that may not be fulfilled.

Should that be the case England will travel to Galle for the series opener with Sri Lanka with just two days of red-ball cricket under their belt.

Spinner Jack Leach had more reason to feel frustrated than most and admitted to “itchy feet”.

Should Galle provide the kind of turning track it is renowned for, Leach will surely be a strong candidate for a second Test cap, but he is still waiting for his first meaningful action of the trip having been left out of the previous fixture alongside Olly Stone.

Having also seen his international prospects dented when the legality of his bowling action was questioned in 2016, one suspects he can cope with the occasional rain delay.

“There’s been difficult moments along the way but that’s how cricket goes and how life goes,” he said.

“The lows definitely make the highs sweeter, I guess. It’s important to always have perspective, keeping looking forward not back, to not feel sorry for yourself but keep pushing forward and seek your next opportunity.

“When I enjoy it that’s when I play my best cricket. That’s what I’m looking to do. I’m looking to make the biggest impact I can.”

Meanwhile, the England management are awaiting updates about the accommodation plans for the second Test at Pallekele.

The hotel which had been earmarked for both teams, the Earl’s Regency in Kandy, is understood to have overbooked its rooms with visiting fan groups.

A variety of solutions have been mooted, including the somewhat drastic option of relocating the game to Colombo – though that would cause more logistical problems than it would solve.

Press Association Sport understands Sri Lanka Cricket is confident the issue is in hand and do not envisage any change of venue.