TOP BANTS

TOM BANTON hopes he has done enough to secure a T20 World Cup starting spot after firing England to a series-clinching victory over Sri Lanka.

- FROM SCOTT HUNT in Kandy

Banton blasted 54 from just 33 balls to lead his side to a challenging revised target after rain interrupted their pursuit of 190 in Kandy.

He shared stands of 43 and 49 with Jos Buttler and Harry Brook (right) respectively after England were left needing 111 from just 58 balls, before Sam Curran hit the winning runs to secure a six-wicket DLS win and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Banton is likely competing for his spot at No.4 with Ben Duckett - absent with a finger injury - when England open their T20 World Cup campaign on February 8. But the 27-year-old is hopeful his half-century, added to a quickfire 29 in the series opener, is enough to secure his position and is pleased with how he has adapted to a middle-order role.