Former captain Angelo Mathews has pledged to confront England with an aggressive approach as he aims for dismantling the defending champions.
Despite initially missing selection for the tournament, veteran all-rounder Mathews was called to India as a replacement for the injured Matheesha Pathirana.
On Thursday, Mathews is set to join the team to face England, a team that, like Sri Lanka, have won one match and suffered three defeats in the competition so far.
"We must bring our A-game to defeat a formidable English team," emphasised the 36-year-old Mathews.
"Although they haven't performed up to their potential, they remain a very formidable side. The pitch is favourable, the outfield is compact, and we must match their aggression because they will come at us aggressively, and we are prepared for the challenge."
Sri Lanka's coach is none other than former England coach Chris Silverwood, who left the role in 2022 following a 4-0 Ashes loss.
"It's a different game, different conditions, and a different team," Mathews commented. He made his debut in 2008.
"Obviously, Chris is well-acquainted with most of their players, and we've had discussions about the team as well."
In the 2019 World Cup, Mathews played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's victory over England in Leeds, contributing an unbeaten 85 in a 20-run win. However, England had the last laugh by clinching the title.
Matthews has featured in only four ODIs for Sri Lanka in the past three years. Nevertheless, he brings a wealth of experience with 221 career ODIs, 106 Tests, and 78 T20 matches.
Over the course of his ODI career, he has accumulated 5,865 runs, including 40 fifties and three centuries, in addition to claiming 120 wickets with his medium-pace bowling.
"I was aware that I needed to be prepared for when the opportunity arose," Mathews remarked, now taking part in his fourth World Cup.
"In the past month or so, I trained rigorously, giving myself the best chance to be ready. However, I didn't expect to return after the 15 players were selected. But, as they say, opportunities come when you least expect them."
