Two of the best batting units in world cricket - India and Australia - have in this World Cup struggled to come to terms with the pitch at the R Premadasa, stumbling to 124 for 6 and 76 for 7 against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, respectively. Pakistan themselves were bowled out for 129 against Bangladesh.

England , one of two undefeated sides in the tournament alongside Australia, meanwhile struggled in their chase against Bangladesh in Guwahati last time out. Now they arrive in Colombo to face a Sri Lanka side that they have lost to just once in 18 WODIs, but on a surface that might bridge the gap considerably.

"I think the conditions here, obviously it being a lot more spin-friendly, is certainly bringing all the teams together," Tammy Beaumont said. "I think that you see a team li

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