Chris Woakes, who became the first England player to twice take six wickets in a one-day international, thinks he has improved as a bowler.
The seamer returned 6-47 to help dismiss Sri Lanka for 239 before Joe Root’s unbeaten century sealed a five-wicket win on yesterday's reserve day.
Woakes, who made his debut almost four years ago against Australia, told ecb.co.uk that he has come a long way since then, saying: “Experience is important and it seems a long time ago (his debut).
“I feel like I’ve improved as a bowler, I bowl a little bit quicker and the more you bowl in different conditions you learn how to bowl in them so I feel like my skills are a lot better, I’m more accurate and improving all the time.
“I’m bowling in the tough periods in game situations – up front and in the powerplay at the death and it’s quite exciting.
“It’s a tough time to bowl but a good opportunity to get wickets as well as trying to make sure you don’t go for too many runs.”
Reflecting on his performance, Woakes was modest in taking the credit for England’s win.
He said: “It’s always nice to take wickets and, yeah, six wickets sounds a lot but at the time you’re just trying to put the ball in the right areas and do your job for the team.
“It was a great day for myself and I was just hoping we could chase it down because we weren’t sure if it was a good total or not.”
He added: “Not many people take two in their career, so for me to have that is nice and hopefully I can get a couple more, but they don’t come around very often so I’m enjoying the moment.”
“@ECB_cricket: England have won the 5th ODI by 5 wickets! #SLvENGpic.twitter.com/S7ihGK8bhR” Well played lads!! @crwoakes19 got to be MoM!
— James Anderson (@jimmy9) December 11, 2014
However, despite leading the way as the top wicket-taker in the series so far, the Warwickshire all-rounder is not getting carried away with his success, even with the prospect of a World Cup looming large.
Speaking about a possible spot in England's World Cup squad, he said: “I wouldn’t say it’s cemented. We still have two games here. Hopefully I can get myself into the side there and put in some good performances.
“It would definitely be nice to be on that plane – it’s a World Cup and almost a dream come true so fingers crossed I can keep putting in some good performances.”
Woakes also took time to praise the knock of Root, who made 104 on a tricky surface to guide England home.
“You can’t underestimate how skilful you need to be to score runs on that sort of surface against quality spin bowlers so they played fantastically well and for Rooty to get to 100 was great to see,” he added.
“It was a really mature knock from him and it got us over the line, which is brilliant.”