THE bizarre events of Sabina Park in February were re-enacted at the St Lawrence ground yesterday, where the tourists' final match before the triangular series, which begins on Friday, was abandoned as early as the fourth over because the pitch was dangerous.

In this instance, however, a large crowd did not go away unentertained. Nor was the retiring Graham Cowdrey deprived of a final appearance at the famous old ground. Within half an hour, a fresh match, with overs per side reduced to 45, was started on a pitch used for last Sunday's AXA League match against Hampshire.

Sanath Jayasuriya was struck a painful blow on his index finger by the first ball he received from Dean Headley. Another finger and his right hand were ground against the bat handle three more times before the umpires intervened.

Aravinda De Silva, who was Kent's overseas player in 1995 and who was leading the Sri Lankans in this game, was called out to the middle and the decision to abandon was taken with the ready agreement of the home side.

The visitors might have expected some bounce from the condemned pitch, because it was green. But the growth of grass was even and its appearance did not threaten such quirks as became manifest. It transpired that it was first prepared for the championship match which began last Wednesday and was rejected by the home side.

John Carr, of the England and Wales Cricket Board, issued a statement from Lord's that the Board ``views this matter very seriously''. He added that ``as a first step Harry Brind, the pitches consultant, will visit the ground and carry out a thorough investigation''.

Jayasuriya was withdrawn from the revised match, but is hopeful of being fit to play against South Africa on Friday. Kent again won the toss and this time decided to bat. Sri Lanka, spurred on by De Silva's brilliant 66, completed their fifth one-day win with 11.2 overs to spare.