Mark Butcher cracked an unbeaten 105 as England's batsmen spent valuable time at the crease on day two of their warm-up match against a Sri Lanka President's XI on Thursday.
England bowled out the President's XI for 181 in the morning before rattling up 225 for 5 in 51.2 overs. Play was abandoned prematurely for the second successive day because of rain.
Butcher's century came six days before the opening test match in Galle and allayed fears over his form after a disappointing series against Bangladesh.
Butcher added 93 for the second wicket with Graham Thorpe (35) and 93 for the third wicket with all rounder Andrew Flintoff, who blazed 47 from 53 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain, who opened the batting with Butcher, was the only test specialist to fail as he was bowled off his thigh pad for a second ball duck by Dilhara Fernando.
Earlier, Bathiya Perera had fought back for the home team, scoring 55 not out as the President's XI extended their overnight score of 142 for eight.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, Bathiya Perera had fought back for the home team, scoring 55 not out as the President's XI extended their overnight score of 142 for eight.
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