Ian Bell has admitted that England have a tough task on their hands if they are to boost their preparations for the 2015 World Cup with a series win in Sri Lanka.
England have endured mixed fortunes against the 1996 world champions, particularly in the subcontinent, but Bell is looking to replicate the 2007 series victory which saw the tourists win 3-2 in a low-scoring series.
He told ECB.co.uk: "To win out there is as good as winning anywhere in the world because it's so tough. You're playing in conditions so different to what you're used to, and that's exciting as well.
"Sri Lanka have got some world-class players in their side. It's always hard work – we've seen that this summer as well, what they're capable of – so [there's a] tough challenge ahead of us.
"But again, [it's] good to have a month together as a group, certainly before we go to Australia, to be able to be together, talk about one-day cricket, getting tight as a unit, and that's really important."
England are currently fifth in the ICC one-day international rankings, one place behind Sri Lanka.
Chris O'Keefe
