Five days before their opening World-Cup game against South-Africa, England’s final preparation could scarcely have gone worse…

After winning the toss in Adelaide, England slumped to 122-9 before Sri-Lanka Captain Chamari Atapattu hit an unbeaten 78 in reply to guide her team to a worthy 10 wicket victory. 

The problem with Lisa Keightley’s side in recent matches has not been the lack of good performances but rather the consistency with which they happen.

Wins over Australia and India have come in between losses to Australia and India, whilst a comprehensive win against New-Zealand just two days ago has now been cancelled out by this disastrous defeat.

Today was further proof that England’s batting simply isn’t good enough to win a World-Cup at this point in time.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont top-scored with 23 runs each, but no other batsman made it past the 20 run mark. With Nat Sciver out injured, her fitness for the tournament itself will be crucial in determining England’s fate. She is expected to be fit for the South-Africa game, but England may decide not to risk her so early in the competition.

The only positive for England was that this was still friendly, and they do have a chance to put things right on Sunday.

Captain Heather Knight said of the defeat, “It was a disappointing performance, but I'd rather we got it out of the way ahead of the World Cup.”

Earlier at the same ground, defending World-Cup champions Australia beat South-Africa by four wickets.

As hosts, they will open World-Cup proceedings against India at the Sydney Showground on Friday.