Bell proud despite England A loss

Match report

Skipper Ian Bell found reasons to be positive despite England A's 39-run defeat by Sri Lanka A in Colombo.

The tourists lost despite a superb 126-run seventh-wicket stand between Matt Prior (104) and Graeme Swann (71).

"We're disappointed but we've shown the fight we've got in the side. It was nice to see those two play the positive way they did," Bell told BBC Sport.

"We lost it earlier in the game really but I'm really pleased with the way the guys fought in the afternoon."

We've probably played the better cricket in both four-day games Ian Bell

Bell's team will now play a triangular one-day tournament, also featuring Pakistan A, having won the first of the two four-day games against the Sri Lankans.

"To play like that shows there's a lot of fight in the side and we're looking forward to playing some one-day cricket," he added.

"We feel we've probably played the better cricket in both four-day games and are disappointed to go 1-1.

"But Sri Lanka put out a strong side and don't like getting beaten at home. They've shown what fight they have and we've seen some good cricket."

Home captain Jehan Mubarak said: "It was a great win. I thought the fightbacks from both sides were magnificent.

"We were shot out for just 145 and came back to win. Then in their second innings we had them on their knees with five down for 26.

"There was great cricket by both sides and I thought we held our nerve."