Galle stages its first Test match since the 2004 tsunami

The umpires delayed the start of England's final Test against Sri Lanka by two hours on Monday because of heavy rain in the build-up to the match.

Further showers overnight threatened the revised start but the covers did their job and the players took to the field for the historic match.

Officials had also faced a battle to get the reconstructed ground ready.

Interview: England's Kevin Pietersen

Interview: England skipper Michael Vaughan

News conference: Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene

The stadium was destroyed by the tsunami, which killed an estimated 31,000 people in Sri Lanka.

Hundreds of labourers were drafted in to ensure the ground, which has been rebuilt from scratch, was completed in time.

606: DEBATE I'll be surprised if it holds up for five days - I suspect a minefield by day five, if it goes that long. bfl

Sri Lanka president Mahinda Rajapaksa officially re-opened the stadium on Monday.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene reflected: "A lot of people who probably saw us play here four years ago are not with us, so it is emotional.

"But, as a country, we moved forward very well after the tsunami, people have made a lot of leaps and bounds in their lives and so it is a celebration moment for a lot of us."

And Kevin Pietersen told BBC Sport on Sunday that England had a duty to ensure the match went ahead despite concerns about the state of the ground.

The ground was looking in bad shape on Saturday

He said: "The wicket was under water three years ago and there's a bigger picture than cricket here.

"We're out there to play a game, to hopefully bring cricket back to Galle and really enjoy the occasion because it will be a great occasion for the city."

The stadium had been due to host the first Test of the series but that was changed because of delays with the reconstruction.

With a historic Dutch-built fort as its backdrop and views of the ocean, Galle has frequently been described as one of the most beautiful grounds in the world.