ENGLAND Lions began their unofficial Test series against their Sri Lankan counterparts today without Somerset spinner Jack Leach as he continues to get used to his new bowling action, writes Paul Martin.

Leach played in the warm-up match against the Sri Lanka Board President's XI but, after claiming 1-11 in the first innings, conceded 68 runs from 14 wicketless overs second time around and has consequently missed out on selection for the first of two four-day fixtures.

Middlesex spinner Ollie Rayner, who took four wickets overall in the warm-up match, has been given the nod as the spinning option.

Leach took 65 County Championship Division One scalps at 21.88 last season and was unfortunate not to be selected for England's winter tour to India, though he received a setback over the winter after routine tests found an illegality in his action.

The 25-year-old has now been given more time to continue his hard work in the nets without the pressure of representing the Lions team, though he will come back into contention for the second four-day fixture on February 24.

Leach's Somerset teammate Craig Overton has also missed out on selection for the match, in which England Lions have been dismissed for 316 on the first day.