Sanath Jayasuriya looks set to claim another milestone in his illustrious career today when he becomes the first player in history to make 400 one-day international appearances.

The 38-year-old batsman has lit up one-day cricket at the highest level ever since his power-hitting at the top of the order enabled Sri Lanka to win the 1996 World Cup.

He will beat Sachin Tendulkar to the milestone - the Indian stands three short - in the second game of the five-match one-day series against England at Dambulla.

Still a powerful hitter, as his innings of 41 off 35 balls demonstrated during Sri Lanka's 119-run triumph over England in Monday's opener, his career looked to be heading for a sudden end on several occasions during the last few years.

He retired in 2006, only to be persuaded back into the fold virtually immediately, and new coach Trevor Bayliss is in no hurry to pension him off despite building towards the next World Cup being staged in Asia in 2011.

Having just succeeded Tom Moody, who guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup final in May, Bayliss sought out Jayasuriya as one of his first duties to determine his future plans.

While Jayasuriya's place is secure for today's day-night encounter, Sri Lanka will be looking to claim their ninth win over England in the last ten matches with a major debate being waged in the country about entering Monday's game without a specialist spinner in their ranks.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene insists there was variety enough and may field the same team today with Jayasuriya and off-spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan providing the spin options after they have assessed the conditions.

''We had four fast bowlers who were quite different to each other and that was a variety in itself,'' he claimed. ''Sanath has also taken 300-odd one-day wickets."