SOMERSET spinner Jack Leach admitted to "itchy feet" after the first day of England's second warm-up match against a Sri Lanka Board XI was washed out in Colombo.

Leach was left out of the 14-man squad for the first game and is still waiting for his first meaningful action of the trip - the first Test in Galle begins on November 10.

Should Galle provide the kind of turning track it is renowned for, Leach will surely be a strong candidate for a second Test cap, but he may have to play having not bowled a competitive ball since the end of the county season in September.

Leach told BBC's Radio's Test Match Special: "It's frustrating for everyone, but obviously I want to get out there and get into the tour.

"You get a bit of itchy feet, you're watching and thinking 'I'd love to get my first few overs bowled' but I've been working hard in the nets, bowling a lot and feeling good.

"If there's more rain around it's about going to Galle, having two days of prep there and putting your name in the hat through nets. Whatever happens I'll give it my best shot."

The 27-year-old has a right to curse his ill-fortune, with England managing a full 180 overs in their first game this week, but it is hardly the biggest setback he has faced.

After making a well-earned debut in Christchurch in March he looked set to play a big part in the domestic summer only for a broken thumb to rule him out of the Pakistan series.

On his comeback, the left-armer suffered a concussion after being struck on the helmet by Surrey's Morne Morkel and was ultimately judged too short of match practice to face India.

Having also seen his international prospects dented when the legality of his bowling action was questioned in 2016, one suspects he can cope with the occasional rain delay.

"There's been difficult moments along the way but that's how cricket goes and how life goes," he said.

"The lows definitely make the highs sweeter, I guess. It's important to always have perspective, keeping looking forward not back, to not feel sorry for yourself but keep pushing forward and seek your next opportunity.

"When I enjoy it that's when I play my best cricket. That's what I'm looking to do. I'm looking to make the biggest impact I can."