Big test for England

England eased to victory over Ireland but were pretty unimpressive and will need to make a big improvement if they are to clinch victory over Sri Lanka when the two sides meet on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka beat England 5-0 when they last met in a one-day series so it's no surprise to see them installed as the 4/11 (1.44) favourites, with England 7/4 (2.75).

While the likes of Sri Lanka, Australia and South Africa have been plundering their way to big victories, England seem to be stuck in the past when it comes to the wiles of one-day cricket.

Unlike other teams, they make steady rather than spectacular starts and so far have completely failed to impress with a massive total, against any side.

Sri Lanka, fresh from their easy win over West Indies, have been one of the best sides in the competition and all of their key figures are playing well, which could spell trouble for Michael Vaughan's men.

Kevin PIetersen, who has looked in great touch but has yet to make a really big score, is the 3/1 favourite to top-score for England, while Paul Collingwood, one of the few to impress so far, is next at 4/1.

Ed Joyce, Ian Bell, Michael Vaughan and Andrew Strauss are all 5/1 - which is a bit tight, particularly on Strauss, who has yet to play a match in the competition. Andrew Flintoff, one of many England players yet to catch fire, is 13/2.

For Sri Lanka, it's the old warhorse, Sanath Jayasuriya, at the top of the betting at 3/1, no surprise after his superb century against West Indies last time out.

Kumar Sangakkara is 7/2, captain Mahela Jayawardene 4/1 and the other opener, Upul Tharanga a 9/2 chance.

In bet365's performance markets, Jayasuriya is 8/11 to get more than 51 points, where they offer 1 point per run, 20 per wicket and 10 per catch. The left-hander could easily get that with the bat alone but his slow left-armers often snaffle wickets, so take a punt.