Graeme Hick fired 66 not out in Melbourne yesterday as England outclassed Sri Lanka by seven wickets to extend their lead in the triangular series limited-overs competition to four points.

England completed their fourth win when they passed Sri Lanka's modest total of 186 with 28 balls to spare. World champions Sri Lanka have now lost their last eight one-day internationals.

Their hopes of ending the losing streak faded almost as soon as the match began when Darren Gough ripped through their batting.

The Yorkshire pace-man was at his menacing best as he skittled Sri Lanka's top order to take four for 10 from his first seven overs. He finished with four for 28 from 10 overs.

Gough had Sanath Jayasuriya caught by Nasser Hussain at gully for one, then forced Marvan Atapattu to edge a catch to Hick at second slip for one. He also bowled Romesh Kaluwitharana (15) and Hashan Tillekeratne (0) to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 21 for four.

Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga (76) and Upul Chandana (50) gave the world champions an outside chance of victory when they added 92 for the sixth wicket but their dismissals triggered another collapse as the last five batsmen fell for just 46. England batted cautiously in reaching their target but were never in any real danger.