The Sri Lankans have lost five of the last six one-day internationals against Pakistan, but head into this month’s fixtures knowing a whitewash would move them above England into fourth spot in the ICC ODI table - irrespective of how Alastair Cook’s side fare in their three-match series against West Indies.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene is well aware of the task ahead of his side, though. He said: “Pakistan will be a challenge and what makes them competitive is the sort of bowling options available, apart from the specialists.”