Stone bids to land World Cup place with England

Paceman Olly Stone intends to keep Sri Lankan batsmen “ducking and diving” as he attempts to force his way into England’s World Cup plans.

In limited-overs terms all eyes are on next summer’s tournament on home soil and, barring dramatic changes in form or fitness, around 12 of the 15 squad places are effectively nailed down.

An orderly queue is forming around the remaining slots and Stone is hoping to nudge his way to the front in the next three one-day internationals.

The 25-year-old is already making a big impression on his first international tour, surprising several of his new team-mates with his speed in the nets and turning in a stirring first spell for his country during Saturday’s victory over Sri Lanka in Dambulla.

During his six overs he pushed the dial past 90mph more than once and needed only seven deliveries to open his account – Niroshan Dickwella caught off the glove after fending a steepling bouncer away from his head.

“It’s always a nice feeling to see them ducking and diving,” he said.

“It is just nice to come in and show them what I can do. In a game situation you run in and try to bowl as quickly as you can, smash that length and see if anything comes of it.

“It felt good. To get that bounce and a little bit of nibble is always nice to see .”

Captain Eoin Morgan hit 92 as England racked up 278 for nine and sealed a 31-run win on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern when the rain came with the hosts on 140 for five

The series resumes on Wednesday in Pallekelle.