England eye whitewash

England have a knack of coming unstuck as they chase a Test series whitewash but they will hope to complete the job against Sri Lanka at Lord's this week -- despite clear signs of improvement from the tourists.

England are 2-0 up with one Test to play, but the match starting on Thursday has more riding on it than it might appear for the hosts after recent series victories ended on a low note.

Last year, having won the Ashes, England suffered an innings and 46-run defeat by Australia in the fifth Test at The Oval.

There was a similarly heavy reverse in South Africa in January when, 2-0 up with one to play, England lost the fourth Test at Centurion by 280 runs.

Although they won the second Test against Sri Lanka in Chester-le-Street by nine wickets, there were warning signs for England during that success.

A typically good Lord's pitch could make life harder still for fast bowlers in London, with the most even contest of the series so far in prospect.