Tie ends in draw

Perera and Peiris frustrated England’s bowlers for more than two hours after Darren Gough had removed openers Ian Daniel and Pradeep Hewage in his opening five-over spell. Their 105-run stand was eventually broken by Craig White who bowled Perera for 50 off 121 balls. Six runs later off spinner Robert Croft bowled Peiris for 46.

Pace bowler Andrew Caddick then weighed in with three wickets to reduce the Academy X1 to 198 for seven. But England did not have it all their own way, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara scoring a robust half century before the declaration.

His 54 from 62 balls included nine fours, three of them in one over from Croft who eventually trapped him leg before.

England’s first full tour of Sri Lanka includes a three-Test series, starting on February 22, followed by three limited overs internationals.