Cricket: Swarm of bees delay test match

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara (L) and England's Matthew Prior lie down on the ground as the match was stopped as a swarm of bees flew over the ground in Kandy. Photo / Reuters

KANDY - A swarm of bees briefly halted play in the cricket test between Sri Lanka and England on today when they flew across Asgiriya Stadium, forcing the players to all lie motionless on the ground.

The bees were first spotted by Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf, who laid down on the field during the fourth day of the first test between the countries. The players soon followed, with both teams remaining on the ground for several minutes until the bees moved on.

Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who has played on the ground since his school days, said angry bees have invaded the field at least twice before.

Sri Lanka declared at 442 runs for eight wickets in its second innings to set England a 350-run target with one day left. England was 9-1 when bad light stopped play.

- AP