Moeen Ali continues to amaze

Alastair Cook admitted his frustration that his new opening partner's maiden one-day international hundred - the third-quickest in England's history - was in vain as the tourists faltered in pursuit of their highest run chase.

Yet less than 10 months since Moeen's international debut, his progress as an all-rounder in all formats is a significant consolation as England embark on their World Cup winter.

Even Moeen's 11 fours and five sixes in his 87-ball 119 were not quite enough in the first of seven ODIs against Sri Lanka, as the hosts went 1-0 up with a 25-run win at the Premadasa Stadium.

But Cook, himself still searching for runs, could hardly help but be full of praise for Moeen after Ravi Bopara (65) had also helped England threaten Sri Lanka's 317 for six.

"It was brilliant," he said of the former.

"He has an amazing ability to time a cricket ball - from the word go.

"At one stage, we were trying to work out - in the practice game, and this one - how many balls he hadn't hit for four."

As against Sri Lanka A last week, Moeen began with a rush of boundaries.

"It's extraordinary really," added Cook.

"Then, when we lost wickets, to rein it in enough but still strike at 130 is a really good innings."

Even so, Cook was left to reflect on another defeat against opponents who also beat England last summer - including at Lord's, where Jos Buttler also hit a memorable century.

"We've had two really good hundreds against Sri Lanka, Jos at Lord's Mo here, and to not win games when people do that is frustrating.

"Mo's done it a lot for Worcestershire, scoring quickly at the top of the order, and he seems to have that carefree approach.

"His ability to time a cricket ball straightaway is incredible.

"He's made a massive contribution to this England team since he's come into it at the beginning of this year, and we hope his progression can continue."

Ultimately, however, England flattered to deceive in the first match of their World Cup winter.

Cook said: "It feels bad at the moment.

"Any time you lose playing for England, hurts - and we did a lot of things pretty well in that game.

"Obviously, Mo played an outstanding innings.

"We dragged it back pretty well with the ball, after a pretty shaky start - and the guys in the dressing room kind of think that was one that got away."