Paul Collingwood insists England can rise to the challenge in their one-day series against Sri Lanka.
England captain full of bravado in Sri Lanka
Paul Collingwood insists England can rise to the challenge in their one-day series against Sri Lanka.
England have been in Sri Lanka since their elimination from the ICC World Twenty20 tournament on 19th September.
Despite
Muttiah Muralitharan's expected absence from the hosts' arsenal, Sri Lanka represents a very real test for Collingwood's side.
Sri Lanka finished runner-up to Australia at the World Cup in the Caribbean ealier this year, but Collingwood still believes his team must be positive.
Conditions
"We obviously realise they're a very good side," Collingwood told
Sky Sports News. "When you come to Sri Lanka it's obviously hot, conditions do favour the home side.
"In many ways it's been nice to get over here early to get acclimatised and there is still a lot of confidence in our side."
England beat India 4-3 in a thrilling series at home last time out, but with inspirational all-rounder Andrew Flintoff is no longer available and the squad has been struck down by a stomach virus.
Collingwood looks to have recovered in time to lead the team, but youngsters Stuart Broad, Luke Wright and Alastair Cook are all doubtful.
Underdogs
There is also a question mark over Kevin Pietersen's participation, but Collingwood is not backing down from the confrontation.
"When you're playing professional cricket you want a challenge and this is certainly one of the biggest challenges you'll come up against," he added.
"We believe that we've got the skills to adapt to these conditions. We've got the fitness and we're looking forward to it."
History does not favour the Durham all-rounder and his team though, with Sri Lanka having won all but one of the eight One-Day Internationals to be staged on the island.
See if England can overcome the odds live from 10am on
Sky Sports 1 on Monday.
