Tuesday 18 November 2014 08:43, UK
England all-rounder Ravi Bopara is looking forward to the one-day series against Sri Lanka.
The England team have had their first training session after arriving in the country on Monday ahead of the seven-match series which is part of the build-up to next year’s World Cup.
It is Peter Moores’ first overseas tour since he was re-appointed as head coach and England will kick it off with a warm-up match against Sri Lanka A in Colombo on Friday.
Bopara told Sky Sports News HQ: “It's the ideal run-up to the World Cup. The last thing you need is Test matches in between, the team being jigged around, having to change your tempos, it's perfect.
“There's no T20s either and what's even better is we go to Australia to play a triangular series to get used to the conditions against two of the best teams in the world.”
After taking on Australia and India in the triangular series early next year, England start their World Cup campaign with another clash with the Aussies on February 14.
Bopara expects England to perform well in the World Cup despite their patchy one-day record in recent years.
He said: “We have a chance. The conditions are good for us. In the past we've struggled on the subcontinent, but our bowlers come more into it in Australia where they've got a bit of bounce and pace and our batters like bounce and pace on the ball as well, so it suits our style of play.
“We've got a chance out there.”
The Essex star was dropped by England in the summer but he has shrugged off that setback.
“I was disappointed to miss out in the summer, but that's life,” he said.
“I'm not putting pressure on myself. It's a great opportunity, time to have fun. You realise when you get dropped what it really means to you and you should play every game like it's your last and really enjoy it.”
Watch England take on Sri Lanka live on Sky Sports with the first ODI live on Sky Sports 2 at 8am on Wednesday November 26.
