By Martin Gough BBC Sport Online

It is a mark of their batting depth that Sri Lanka could even consider leaving Aravinda de Silva out of their squad.

The 36-year-old batsman has not played a Test since England's tour 18 months ago, despite a flashy century in Sri Lanka's sole win of that series, in Galle.

And in that time, his side have won nine consecutive Tests, moving to third in the ICC Test Championship.

But De Silva's return to fitness, and his experience of English conditions clinched him a spot in the side.

And he repaid the selectors faith with an imperious 88 on the second day at Lord's, in the process becoming the first Sri Lankan to pass 6000 career runs.

In fact, De Silva's Test debut came in north London, when as a 19-year-old he made 16 as Sri Lanka drew their first Test in England.

And it began the stylish right-hander's love affair with English conditions.

Only he and skipper Sanath Jayasuriya have reached three figures in England before, both in that infamous one-off Test at The Oval in 1998.

Jayasuriya was a surprise package as he crashed 213 in under six hours.

But England already knew exactly what to expect of the senior partner in a 243-run third wicket partnership, occupying just 54 overs, that set up the 10-wicket win.

Magic

De Silva finished fourth in the English first-class averages, with 1781 runs at 59.36, the only highlight in the County Championship for Kent as they finished dead last.

And he gave a hint of his propensity for starring in showpiece matches when he made a glorious B&H Cup final century against Lancashire in a losing effort at Lord's.