England Lions were denied victory against Sri Lanka A Emerging Players in the first of their five-match tour of the country.

The Lions posted an imposing target of 409 for the hosts, but thanks to useful scores of 63 and 46 from Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Roshen Silva respectively.

Nottinghamshire’s James Taylor scored an excellent second-innings 61 in a 100-run stand with Sam Robson, who went on to make 120.

“It was good, competitive cricket on a big outfield, a slow outfield and a pitch that was offering plenty for the spinners,” he said.

“At the end of the day this was a warm-up game.

“Obviously we come into the game trying to win it.

“Unfortunately we didn’t quite get over the line - they put up a bit of resistance with the bat - but in all it was a good first performance from us on this tour.”

The Lions have a second warm-up match in Columbo against the Emerging Players, ahead of a three-match series against Sri Lanka A.

Taylor will be going into these matches in good form, this latest score following a winter of training and conditioning in Perth.

“The sub-continent’s a hard place to come but plenty of the batsmen got a good work-out and the bowlers were exceptional,” said Taylor.

Mark Wood was very good and so was Chris Woakes.

“Our spinners did a great job. It’s been a good work-out for the lads to spend some time in the field, which is crucial.

“It was tough work, especially in the heat as well. But, as I said, first game of the tour, it’s just nice to spend some time in the middle.”