WICKETKEEPER Geraint Jones is backing the England side to bounce back from the disappointments of Lord’s with an improved performance against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Birmingham.

Having spent three days in the field in a vain attempt to dismiss the tourists twice, Kent’s gloveman and his England team-mates were left battered and somewhat bruised after a series of dropped catches allowed Sri Lanka to wriggle off the hook having been made to follow on.

Jones said: "To end up with a draw, after playing as we did for the first two days and getting into such a strong position, was very disappointing.

"Those dropped chances did catch up with us and not too much was said in the dressing room afterwards because we all knew where we’d gone wrong.

"We had no real explanation as to why so many were dropped at Lord’s, but we all know we need to turn it round for the next Test.

"We know Sri Lanka are a pretty feisty side now and we will have to improve to overcome them."

* Read Mark Pennell's full interview with Geraint Jones in this week's KM paid-for titles.