GALLE, Sri Lanka, 3 December 2003 — Spinner Ashley Giles struck three crucial blows to help England restrict Sri Lanka to 138-4 on a rain-curtailed opening day of the first cricket Test here yesterday.

The left-arm spinner took 3-13 off 10 tight overs as the hosts faltered after making a solid start on a day when 30 overs were lost due to rain and bad light at Galle International Stadium.

Kumar Sangakkara (39) and Thilan Samaraweera (one) were at the crease at the close. Giles picked up the wickets of opener Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene and captain Hashan Tillekaratne as Sri Lanka slipped from 76 for no loss to 132-4.

The spinner, pressed into the attack only after lunch, got into the act straightaway as he dismissed Jayasuriya just when the left-handed batsman had looked set to play a big knock. Jayasuriya was caught bad-pad by debutant Paul Collingwood at forward short-leg after scoring 48 with the help of eight fours. Marvan Atapattu was caught behind down the leg-side while trying to pull seamer Andrew Flintoff and then Giles came back to take two more wickets in quick succession.

Jayawardene was caught at silly-point and Tillekaratne was caught behind attempting to cut. Both the wickets fell at 132.

Giles bowled four maiden overs in his second five-over spell and took two wickets.

The Sri Lankan middle-order batsmen failed to capitalize on a steady start given by Jayasuriya and Atapattu, who put on 76 for the opening wicket after the hosts had elected to bat. The match started 30 minutes late due to a soggy outfield.

Sharp showers midway through the afternoon session and poor light in the closing stages restricted the game to just 60 overs.

A one-day series between the two teams was also affected by rain as two of the three matches were washed out at Colombo.

England, who have won both of their previous Test series against Sri Lanka, suffered a setback when former skipper Nasser Hussain pulled out because of a viral infection. Collingwood got a chance to make his Test debut after playing 42 one-dayers.

The tourists included spinners Giles and Gareth Batty, leaving out Robert Croft who was drafted in as a back-up bowler.

Wasim Ready to Give Bowling Tips to Anyone Who Asks

In Lahore, former Pakistani captain and fast bowling great Wasim Akram, who retired from international cricket in May, hinted yesterday at dreams of coaching not only his young compatriots but aspiring cricketers from other countries. “I would be honored to coach youngsters in my country because it would be one of the ways to serve my country which gave me name and fame,” Wasim, 37, told AFP. “But any youngster coming to me for help irrespective of nationality would get my advice.”

For the moment he said he was enjoying his new role as commentator. Wasim retired as the leading one-day wicket taker with 502, plus a test wicket tally of 414.

Indian captain Saurav Ganguly has expressed hope that Wasim could advise his bowlers while in Australia as television commentator for the Indian tour. Wasim said he has received no formal coaching invitation from India. “Even if my name was mentioned it was an honor for me, my country and I am thankful to Ganguly for his nice remarks,” he said. Wasim, due to join the commentary team in Australia next week, said he would give advice if it was sought. “If anyone seeks my advice I am duty-bound to help him.

“Indian bowlers Ashish Nehra and Zaheer Khan used to call me and take advice, there is nothing wrong with that because when I was young I took advice from Kapil Dev and West Indian late Malcolm Marshall.”

A civil court in Pakistan’s eastern city Lahore has been asked to take action to prevent Wasim coaching Indian players. Wasim said he would sue the private individual who filed the petition. “I am amazed at the narrow-mindedness of the people, they make mountains out of a molehill and I am going to sue them instead,” he vowed.