There are a few particular areas they are looking to improve, with most parts of their side already looking in perfect working order.

One key aspect is their playing of spin bowling, which came under scrutiny  in the summer when left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 14 wickets in five limited-overs games against England, including T20I figures of 5-24 and ODI figures of 6-25. England recovered to win the ODI series, and Joe Root, who scored hundreds in the last two ODIs, has defended his team’s record against slow bowling.

“I think we’ve certainly got it in us,” he said. “There’s been signs of that and as a team, our record against spin is right up there, if not the best in the world over the last couple of years. This is another opportunity to show everyone how good we are against spin and to perform well on these surfaces.

“I wouldn’t do it if I was him because he adds so much as a leader but it doesn’t surprise me because that is the character he is,” Root said. “He will do what it takes to make sure we are giving us ourselves our best chance winning and that’s the sign of a brilliant leader.

“But, personally, I think having him on field is when this England side is at its strongest. He is a fantastic captain. He has done some remarkable things with this team to it get from where it was to number one in the world. It is a great example for me with the Test side.”

The second ODI begins tomorrow at Dambulla.