THE Sri Lankans are in town today (Friday, June 21) to play against Somerset at the County Ground in the Patron's Salver Challenge match.

The 50-over game is being sponsored by the club's patron Christopher Ondaatje, who was born in Sri Lanka. The patron is presenting a silver salver, and three Queen's Golden Jubilee goblets to the winners, with the losers being presented with a replica set to commemorate the occasion.

The Sri Lankans are fresh from their three-match Test series against England, and have a considerable reputation as one of the most attractive sides in the world to watch.

Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson told me: "This is a prestigious one-day match against a top international side.

"With the exceptions of Jamie Cox and Matt Bulbeck we will be fielding our strongest side, and of course Sri Lanka's side will contain many talented players."

He continued: "We are hoping a large number of supporters will come along to watch the match and with this in mind members have free entry, paying spectators will be charged £10, but youngsters up to the age of 16 will be admitted free."

Mr Anderson continued: "As well as funding the magnificent salver, which has been provided by Leaths Jewellers of North Street, Taunton, our patron is picking up the bill for staging the match which is very generous gesture on his part."

Mr Ondaajte told me: "I think that this is a fantastic privilege for me to host this match against Sri Lanka, the country of my birth."