England vs Sri Lanka: Rain delays start day two of First Test at Old Trafford

Manchester rain delayed the start of day two of the First Test at Old Trafford, with England looking to build a healthy first-innings lead.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat on Wednesday’s opening day, but were skittled for 236, as Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir claimed three wickets apiece.

That had in itself been a decent recovery after being reduced to six for three and 113 for seven, but England were still well on top at stumps, by which time Dan Lawrence and Ben Duckett had navigated an awkward four-over spell under lights.

That pair are due to resume on 22 without loss, with Lawrence deputising for the injured Zak Crawley in what is his first Test appearance since March 2022.

Meanwhile, Sam Curran is in red-ball action for Surrey for the first time in more than a year, amid growing calls for a Test return.

Curran, who last played first-class cricket in June 2023, was carded to bat at No4 as the County Championship leaders resumed their quest for a third straight title against