Should that be the case England will travel to Galle for the series opener with Sri Lanka with just two days of red-ball cricket under their belt.

Spinner Jack Leach had more reason to feel frustrated than most and admitted to “itchy feet”.

Should Galle provide the kind of turning track it is renowned for, Leach will surely be a strong candidate for a second Test cap, but he is still waiting for his first meaningful action of the trip having been left out of the previous fixture alongside Olly Stone.

“It’s frustrating for everyone, but obviously I want to get out there and get into the tour,” he told BBC’s Radio’s Test Match Special.

“You get a bit of itchy feet, you’re watching and thinking ‘I’d love to get my first few overs bowled’ but I’ve been working hard in the nets, bowling a lot and feeling good.

“If there’s more rain around it’s about going to Galle, having two days of prep there and putting your name in the hat through nets. Whatever happens I’ll give it my best shot.”

The Somerset spinner has a right to curse his ill-fortune, with England managing a full 180 overs in their first game this week, but it is hardly the biggest setback he has faced.

After making a well-earned debut in Christchurch in March he looked set to play a big part in the domestic summer only for a broken thumb to rule him out of the Pakistan series.

On his comeback the 27-year-old suffered a concussion after being struck on the helmet by Surrey’s Morne Morkel and was ultimately judged too short of match practice to face India.

Having also seen his international prospects dented when the legality of his bowling action was questioned in 2016, one suspects he can cope with the occasional rain delay.

“There’s been difficult moments along the way but that’s how cricket goes and how life goes,” he said.

“The lows definitely make the highs sweeter, I guess. It’s important to always have perspective, keeping looking forward not back, to not feel sorry for yourself but keep pushing forward and seek your next opportunity.

“When I enjoy it that’s when I play my best cricket. That’s what I’m looking to do. I’m looking to make the biggest impact I can.”

Meanwhile, the England management are awaiting updates about the accommodation plans for the second Test at Pallekele.

The hotel which had been earmarked for both teams, the Earl’s Regency in Kandy, is understood to have overbooked its rooms with visiting fan groups.

A variety of solutions have been mooted, including the somewhat drastic option of relocating the game to Colombo – though that would cause more logistical problems than it would solve.

Press Association Sport understands Sri Lanka Cricket is confident the issue is in hand and do not envisage any change of venue.

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