Sunbathed optimism pervades English game

An air of optimism infuses English cricket after the heady Ashes triumph in Australia, with home series against attractive opponents in World Cup finalists Sri Lanka and India adding to the enjoyment.

Even the weather since India defeated Sri Lanka on a memorable Mumbai night last month has been more akin to the sub-continent than the customary chill and gloom of an English spring.

A prolonged dry spell has parched outfields throughout the country and Sri Lanka completed a four-wicket victory over Middlesex on a warm day and a benign pitch on Monday which would have made it feel thoroughly at home.