Dangerous pitch forces premature end to three-dayer

A dangerously bouncing pitch brought an abrupt end to the three-day game between the Indians and Sri Lankan Board President's XI with just one over being bowled on the final day in Colombo on Friday.

The umpires ruled the pitch unfit for playing after a few balls from Dinusha Fernando rose dangerously when India resumed at their overnight total of 281 for five.

Captain Sourav Ganguly consulted India coach John Wright before declaring the innings at the overnight score of 281 for 5.

Umpires Lalith Jayasundara and Gamini Silva then inspected the pitch and declared it unfit for play.

The match was declared a draw.

The Sri Lankan side had made 326 in their first innings.

Ganguly top-scored with 74 in the Indian innings, with openers Shiv Sundar Das, 72, and Sadagoppan Ramesh, 63, also making handsome contributions.

The first Test between India and Sri Lanka starts in Galle on August 14.

Mail Cricket Editor