Cricket - International Cricket - Bet Now at Bet365
Ravi Bopara has picked up a side strain which could prevent him from being part of England's bowling attack in the Test series against Sri Lanka.
The all-rounder suffered the injury during the warm-up win over a Sri Lanka Board XI and will now pin his selection hopes on his batting.
A spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board said: "Ravi Bopara strained his left side in the first innings and is unlikely to bowl during the Test series.
"He will be available for selection as a specialist batsman."
Bopara scored 66 as England successfully chased down 359 in their final warm-up game, while Matt Prior got 84 and Samit Patel made 72. Kevin Pietersen got England moving with a run-a-ball 52.
The first Test starts in Galle on 26th March and Prior says England are well prepared for the series. They are7/4to win the first Test, while Sri Lanka are 9/4.
"Going into this Test series now having won our first two warm-up games gives the team a lot of confidence," he said.
"And, after a run chase like today we're fully prepared for the series.
"We thought they'd got too many but we started very well and it makes it easier making it as realistic to a Test match as possible.
"You are wanting to put pressure on yourself, wanting to put pressure on the team to perform and win games. This is why we want these matches."
Sri Lanka can be backed at11/5to win the series, with England at11/8.
View all Cricket betting at Bet365