“The batting outfit did a good job. Ian Bell set the innings up brilliantly and it was Ravi Bopara’s turn to play a really good knock at the end.
“Hopefully the top four will continue to build that great base and set a platform for the likes of myself, Eoin [Morgan] and Ravi to come in at the end and score runs as quickly as we can.”
Sri Lanka are no pushovers. Memories still linger of their 5-0 drubbing of England in 2006 when it often seemed that Sanath Jayasuriya and his men were taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Two years ago, they pushed England all the away before succumbing 3-2 and the key players all have experience in this country.
It promises to be a stylish confrontation of formidable bowling.
Jimmy Anderson and Lasith Malinga both illuminated the weekend with clever, incisive spells which combined instinct and nous.
The difference was that Anderson’s bold three for 30 took England home against Australia while Malinga’s brave four for 43 against New Zealand was not quite enough as his team went down by one wicket.
Buttler, echoing a universal feeling, said: “The quality of our bowling attack is brilliant and is spearheaded by Jimmy Anderson.
“With the new fielding restrictions you’ve seen what’s possible when people get in but with the quality of our bowling attack we’re very confident we can take early wickets and put sides under pressure. There are lots of options. Steve Finn is ranked No3 in one-day cricket, so there’s quality not playing. It’s great to have that depth.”
After the manner in which it all worked out at Edgbaston on Saturday, poor Finn, who seemed a go-to bowler when he was operating during the winter, may have to sit out again.
If nothing else the balance of the side dictates that England need Tim Bresnan’s batting at No8 and his bowling looked to have regained its zip following elbow surgery. But Bresnan’s wife, Hannah, is due to give birth to the couple’s first child at any time. Thus Finn must remain in a state of readiness.
Graeme Swann, forced to miss the weekend victory after waking up with a sore back, looks to be restored to fitness and will replace James Tredwell, who once more demonstrated that he is the trustiest of reserves.
Sri Lanka’s batsmen are bound to feel the heat and rectify their lapses.
As Mahela Jayawardene, their former captain and most experienced performer, said: “How can I put this politely, if we go out of this tournament due to a few mistakes then it is going to be very sad.”
