Foakes in the thick of the action after shock call-up
BEN FOAKES was England’s hero on day one of the first Test and then revealed his surprise at being given a debut after he had planned to have six months off.
The Surrey wicketkeeper took centre stage in Galle as he picked England off the floor to elevate them to 321-8 by the close with an unbeaten 87.
Foakes arrived in Sri Lanka as a late replacement for Jonny Bairstow after he picked up an ankle ligament injury playing football.
After touring with England in last winter’s Ashes, his only plans this time were a lads’ holiday and a break from cricket after a long county championship season.
Instead, he finds himself at the centre of England’s attempt to win a first game away from home in 14 matches and fulfilling a longheld dream, debuting alongside county team-mate Rory Burns.
Foakes, 25, said: “I had just got back from a lads’ trip to Lisbon, so that was good prep!
“I’d had a few days out there with a couple of Surrey lads, Arun Harinath and Ryan Patel, when Ed Smith gave me a ring and it took me by surprise.
“That month of getting away was beautiful, not thinking I had any cricket round the corner, so it meant I arrived here fresh.
“I’ve had quite a from DEAN WILSON in Galle
few England Lions trips so the plan was to clear my head and get away from cricket for a while and then come back. But plans change, don’t they?
“When Rooty came to me yesterday to say I was playing I was pretty surprised but over the moon. It is pretty surreal and is something that I’ve dreamed about for six or seven years, playing a lot of Lions cricket.”
Inspiring
England began their first Test since
2006 without Alastair Cook and Foakes admits he was inspired by a video message from the record run-scorer. He added: “He’s still lingering around! I don’t know who asked him to do it but it was awesome.
“We all sat down and watched it. It was inspiring and got us pumped up.”
England made an uncertain start as wickets tumbled despite flying along at almost five an over. Poor shot selection saw the tourists slip to 103-5 before lunch. But while the top order were undone by their decision making, Foakes and Jos Buttler settled for a more sensible approach. Sam Curran
(48) and Adil Rashid (35) then combined with Foakes to help England to a score that means they just had the better of the opening day.