Robin Smith is baffled by England's lowly one-day ranking.

Smith played 71 limited-overs internationals and was a key player the side that reached the final of the 1992 World Cup.

And the Hampshire legend cannot believe why England are as far down as seventh in the ICC's one-day international table, as they prepare to take on fourth placed Sri Lanka

Smith said: "It's very difficult to compare the side that played in the final of the World Cup but I find it unbelievable that they're down where they are.

"England's position doesn't justify the exciting side that they are.

"They and Sri Lanka are very evenly balanced but if England play like they can do they'll be too strong.

"It should certainly be an exciting game, everyone enjoys watching Andrew Flintoff, Paul Collingwood has come of age as a successful one-day batsman and is a very skilful player to be coming in at six or seven.

"And when Marcus Trescothick is in form, he can change the course of a game at the top of the order.

"Unfortunately Michael Vaughan hasn't found the form in one-day cricket that he has shown in Test matches.

"But he's a good enough player to adapt to one day cricket and his record suggests that a big score is just around the corner.

"And although it was a great shame for Dimi Mascarenhas, whose record as is a good as any in county cricket, to be left out of the squad, it's been wonderful to see Alex Wharf do so well.

"I'm delighted for him and it's a great example to other county cricketers of what they can achieve if they work hard."

The injured Muttiah Muralitharan might be missing for the Sri Lankans - but Smith, who retired 12 months ago after two decades of supreme service for Hampshire, has warned England NOT to underestimate Marvan Atapattu's side.

He added: "Murali is far bigger threat in Test match cricket as he can only bowl ten overs in these games, and Sri Lanka are still a very, very experienced side

"They should certainly not be underestimated because, in terms of their one-day appearances, they're far more experienced than England."