Persistent rainfall has thrown the opening T20 international between Sri Lanka and England into uncertainty at Pallekele, near Kandy.
Heavy showers initially pushed back the scheduled start by 15 minutes, with the toss moved to 1.15pm and play set to begin at 1.45pm local time.
However, conditions deteriorated further as light drizzle persisted, prompting ground staff to replace covers across the entire playing surface.
By early afternoon, there remained no immediate prospect of action resuming, despite weather forecasts suggesting the rain would ease.
An army of approximately 150 ground staff stood ready to remove the covers should conditions improve.
Harry Brook's side arrived in Sri Lanka with momentum, having claimed victory in seven of their eight completed T20 fixtures since he assumed the captaincy last spring.
England have opted to reunite Phil Salt and Jos Buttler at the top of the batting order following a brief experiment with Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett.
That partnership proved devastating against South Africa at Old Trafford, where England posted 304 for two.
Buttler struck 83 from just 30 deliveries while Salt remained unbeaten on 141 from 60 balls, dismantling the bowling of Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada.
Persistent rainfall has thrown the opening T20 international between Sri Lanka and England into uncertainty
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Sri Lanka enter the series as co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, meaning they will play all their group stage matches on home soil before any potential semi-final.
Their recent domestic form offers little reassurance, however, with nine victories and nine defeats in T20 internationals at home over the past twelve months.
Dasun Shanaka returns to lead the side in what has become a frequently changing white-ball captaincy role.
The hosts can call upon the considerable talents of spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who claimed five wickets at an average of 10.4 during their drawn series against Pakistan three weeks ago.
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Heavy showers initially pushed back the scheduled start by 15 minutes
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This three-match series serves as crucial preparation ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins in just over a week.
England will launch their tournament campaign on February 8 when they face Nepal in Mumbai.
The visitors arrive as genuine contenders for a third world title.
They reached at least the semi-finals in each of the last four editions of the competition.
An army of approximately 150 ground staff stood ready to remove the covers should conditions improve
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They lifted the trophy once during that period and finished as runners-up on two occasions.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have struggled in recent tournaments despite their 2014 triumph.
They failed to progress beyond the group stage two years ago in the Caribbean and the United States.
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