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But bad weather returned with the hosts 76-1 in reply, to leave the match abandoned with no result.

Strauss shared a half-century partnership with stand-in opener Chris Read, who made 34 from 49 balls.

And after two quick wickets, Ian Blackwell joined Strauss in a 110-run stand, the Somerset man adding an aggressive 63 himself.

Middlesex captain Strauss could debut in Tuesday's first one-day international after opener Vikram Solanki was again dismissed without scoring.

Solanki, who made a combined 11 runs in the 3-0 series win in Bangladesh, lasted just five balls before he was given out lbw to a ball from left-armer Nandika Ranjith which appeared to be missing off-stump.

After striking six boundaries, Read drove at a wide delivery from seamer Gayan Wijekoon to provide a catch behind.

And it soon became 63-3 when Rikki Clarke pushed forward and was bowled through the gate by left-arm spinner Dinuk Hettiarachchi.

Strauss batted on, reaching his half-century with a swept six over midwicket before he was finally bowled by Ranjith.

Blackwell overshadowed his partner somewhat in belting four fours and three sixes.

It would be kindest to put Solanki out of his misery and drop him for now From bomber Have your say on TMS

The all-rounder did not get a chance to bowl, though, as the rain that had delayed the start for two hours returned after just 17.1 overs of the home side's reply.

Openers Michael Vandort and Saman Jayantha made a brisk start, Jayantha pulling Richard Johnson for six.

It took the introduction of James Kirtley to make the breakthrough, Solanki making a head-high catch at point to punish Jayantha for a flashing cut shot.

Vandort, who has two Test caps, was left unbeaten on 39 from 59 balls.

England rested captain Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff, Paul Collingwood and Marcus Trescothick with Yorkshire's Anthony McGrath leading the team.

Sri Lanka President's XI: R P Arnold (Capt), S Jayantha L P C Silva, W M B Perera, C S Fernando (Wkt), W M G Ramyakumara D Hettiarachchi, M Pushpakumara, W C A Ganegama, P N Ranjith M G Vandort.