England's energy level on and off the field is amazing: Jayawardena

"If Dhammika Prasad is fit, if Suranga Lakmal is fit, Nuwan Pradeep with Dusmantha Chameera, we have got four top fast bowlers, which you need in England conditions," he said. "In Test cricket, you've got an experienced batting line-up. You've played 20-30 Test matches now, which is a fairly decent amount. So it will be a good challenge for our boys," he added.

He spoke highly ofAngelo Mathews, the captain, acknowledging his “phenomenal” record since taking over as skipper, but said the remainder of the batting line-up had to rally round him to take the pressure off his shoulders.

"Angelo Mathews is going to be that pivotal player for Sri Lanka for the next five-six years and the rest of the boys have to bat around him," said Jayawardena. "His numbers are very good, so you just need to keep doing that rather than just putting unnecessary pressure on himself.

"What happens is if you're the captain and the best player, the opposition will target you and make sure that you don't perform, so that it affects the entire team."

While Jayawardena has enjoyed the time he gets post retirement to spend with daughter Sansa, he jokes that the sentiment is not necessarily reciprocated. "I think she's found me a bit more annoying as well now because I'm spending a bit more time with her and not letting her do certain things!

But I've thoroughly enjoyed the time the last year or so. She's travelled with me as well to many places, so it's been good, quality time," he added. “When I got back from India, she wanted me to bat and she wanted to field, which is encouraging because usually either you want to bat or bowl. She's just happy to be fielding, so let's see how long that lasts."