Flintoff prepared for battle

Andrew Flintoff, who stood in as captain for England's drawn tour match in Colombo, has insisted that their preparations are going to plan ahead of next week's first Test in Galle - despite another day that was cut short by rain in the mid-afternoon.

"It's a shame we couldn't get a full match in as it starts raining about the same time every day," said Flintoff. "But we have had some valuable match practice, all the boys had a bowl and we spent time in the middle. That is what we needed going into that first Test match."

Flintoff was unconcerned that England were unable to force victory, although they enjoyed much the better of the final day's play as the Sri Lankan Cricket President's XI reached the close on 135 for 4, an overall lead of two runs.

"Obviously we wanted to win the game," said Flintoff. "But it was also important that the batters got an opportunity and the bowlers got mileage in their legs." With an unbeaten 151 for Mark Butcher, and a wicket apiece to James Kirtley and the three spinners, Ashley Giles, Gareth Batty and Robert Croft, England did just that.

The first Test begins at Galle on Tuesday.