Floundering Poms face rejuvenated Lankans

Wellington: A floundering England will be looking to get their act together against 1996 champions Sri Lanka in a Pool A match of the cricket World Cup, here on Sunday.

After being outplayed by co-hosts Australia and New Zealand in their first two encounters of the 50-over showpiece event, the Eoin Morgan-led side revived its campaign by humbling Scotland in their last match.

England though could still manage to sneak in the quarter-finals even without registering a win against a Test playing side as they await perennial strugglers Bangladesh and tournament newcomers Afghanistan in the upcoming games.

But bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes still believes that a win over the Angelo Mathews-led side at the Westpac will do wonders for the team's self-belief.

"It's important that we do show up against the big teams," said Woakes.

"You know, obviously tomorrow is a big game having already lost two in the tournament already. Sri Lanka are a good side, so we know we've got to be on our game.

"We want to get through to the quarter-finals and you're going to have to beat big teams on the way. Tomorrow is obviously a big opportunity for us.

Woakes, who has been England's leading bowler at the tournament so far with five wickets in three matches at an average of under 20, is happy with his showing.

"I think since arriving in Australia I felt like I've hit my straps pretty well, executed plans reasonably well," said Woakes.

Sri Lanka also did not have the best of starts to their World Cup campaign after losing to the Black Caps in their opener but subsequently pulled up their socks.

They were given a hard time by a spirited Afghanistan but managed to win by four wickets and then outplayed Asian counterparts Bangladesh by 92 runs.