ALEX Hales' England prospects suffered another massive blow as Moeen Ali struck a brilliant rapid fire century against Sri Lanka.
Hales was again left out of the side as Ali partnered captain Alastair Cook at the top of the order in the first of seven One Day Internationals.
Ali made 119 from just 87 balls as England lost by 25 runs, all out for 292.
Cook could only make ten from 17 balls but his position looks set in stone despite calls from the likes of former skipper Michael Vaughan for Hales and Ali to open.
The hosts set England 317 in Colombo having lost the toss and despite Ali's brilliance and a fine knock of 65 from Ravi Bopara, the tourists were unable to get over the line.
Notts' James Taylor was left out of the middle order and England faltered there with Joe Root making two and Eoin Morgan one.
They were well in the game with 32 needed from the last 25 balls, but James Tredwell was then bowled.
It was down to Notts' Harry Gurney, a true number 11, and Bopara to attempt to complete an impossible looking mission.
Gurney finished unbeaten on one as Bopara took the initiative understandably.
He was brilliantly caught at deep midwicket by Kusal Perera to put Sri Lanka 1-0 up.
Earlier, Gurney had opened the bowling but went wicket-less from his ten overs.
They cost 66 runs, although his figures were a little harsh on the left arm seamer.
Tillakaratne Dilshan had top scored for the Sri Lankans with 88 at the top of the order.
He had put on 120 for the first wicket with Perera, who made 59 before being run out by Joe Root.
Mahela Jayawardene made 55 at number four. Tredwell took his wicket and he was the pick of the bowlers with two for 52.
