By Sam Lyon |
England wicket-keeper Matt Prior says he and his team-mates have "no fear" as they attempt to secure a first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2001.
Despite their recent one-day success there, England start the series in Kandy on Saturday as underdogs.
But Prior told BBC Sport: "It's a challenge but we're strong as a unit and know exactly what we have to do.
"Basically, whoever's got the biggest heart and whoever fights the hardest and the longest will come out on top."
The tourists spent an encouraging two weeks in Colombo - gaining a draw and a victory from their two tour matches - before arriving in Kandy on Wednesday ahead of the first Test, which starts this weekend.
But, with the likes of world-class spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in the Sri Lanka side, England know the slow wickets of the sub continent will weigh heavily in the hosts' favour.
"The pitches have been pretty much what we expected - low, slow and spinner-friendly," said Prior. "But the past two weeks have been exactly what we needed and I believe we're in really good shape.
"All the players have been working hard on perfecting good methods and techniques for when the ball does something out of the ordinary.
"I've done a lot of batting work on what is effectively a gravel pit, with the ball turning both ways, keeping low and doing all sorts.
"Hopefully, that and the work we've all been doing in training, will mean when it comes to facing Muralitharan and the like, we should feel good about our games."
Ironically, reports suggest the cooler, wetter weather will ensure Kandy is more seam-friendly than the two venues at Colombo and Galle, and Prior is aware how important a good start is for the team.
"We've not spoken about Kandy in particular yet, that time will come when we get a chance to have a good look at the wicket," he said.
"But obviously the start to any series is very important to set the tone and we'll be wanting to stamp our authority on the opposition as quickly as possible.
"As good as Murali is, and Kumar Sangakkara is, and all their players are, this is what Test matches are all about.
"They are about testing yourself against the best in the game, competing with them and coming out on top and
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