Afzaal makes the most of his opportunity against the Sri Lankans

Usman Afzaal was one of a number of players on the fringe of the England Test side who impressed when play eventually got under way at Chesterfield on what was scheduled to be the second day of the match between MCC and the Sri Lankans.

The Nottinghamshire batsman had been forced by heavy rain to sit in the pavilion throughout the first day as rain washed out valuable preparation for the tourists prior to the third Test at Old Trafford. However, he took the opportunity to remind the selectors of his potential when he got to the middle today, ending the day on 80 not out in a total of 260 for six in the 71 overs of play that were possible.

MCC captain David Fulton won the toss and decided to bat. His openers put on 95 before Andy Strauss fell to a catch by Upul Chandana off the bowling of Dilhara Fernando, returning to action after a stress fracture of his lower back. Fulton then joined his Kent colleague Robert Key, adding a further 53 runs for the second wicket before the captain was caught off the bowling of Ruchira Perera, making a reappearance after being reported during the Lord's Test for having a suspect bowling action.

Key was third out to Chandana for an impressive 77, while Owais Shah soon followed for nought. With Darren Stevens falling cheaply to Perera shortly afterwards, it was left to wicket-keeper Chris Read to accompany Afzaal in a sixth wicket stand worth 68 before Read became Perera's third victim. Richard Dawson stayed with Afzaal until stumps.