Sixth ODI: Chris Woakes buoyed by England win over Sri Lanka in Pallekele

Chris Woakes is confident that England can level their one-day series against Sri Lanka with a victory in Pallekele on Saturday.

The tourists cut Sri Lanka’s lead in the seven-match series to 3-2 by winning the fifth match of the series in Pallekele on the reserve day.

Woakes took 6-47 as the hosts were dismissed for 239 before the rain arrived on Wednesday and England then returned to the venue on Thursday to wrap up a five-wicket win thanks to an unbeaten 104 from Joe Root.

“It’s a huge confidence booster,” Woakes told Sky Sports News HQ. “We had to go into that game knowing we had to win to stay in the series so to be able to do that over the two days is brilliant.

“The camp’s excited for the game on Saturday and we are in a good position now.

“We knew we had to stay in the series by winning and it was important we put in some good performances and across the team I thought we did that.

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“It was a great win, particularly in the conditions that were put in front of us.

“It was really important for myself to put in a good performance. It’s always nice to take wickets, and six wickets sounds a lot, but at the time I suppose you are just trying to put the ball in the right areas and do your best for the team.

“But it was great day for myself and I was just hoping that the boys could chase it down because we weren’t sure whether it was a good total or a par total, but the boys made a good chase.”

Focused

Woakes now has his sights set on claiming a place in the England squad for the World Cup, which starts in February, but the all-rounder remains focused on the rest of the series in Sri Lanka.   

“There are still two games here,” he said. “Hopefully I can get myself into the side there and still put in some good performances.

“It would definitely be nice to be on that plane - it’s almost a dream come true to get on a World Cup for your country - so hopefully, fingers crossed.

“But there are some big games coming up and hopefully I can continue to put in some good performances.”

Watch Sri Lanka v England in the sixth ODI live on Sky Sports 2 at 4.15am on Saturday.