The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Root revels in having selection headache
England captain Joe Root is relishing the prospect of a difficult selection meeting after the Test team recorded their first overseas victory for more than two years.
Root’s side finally halted a 13-game winless streak on foreign soil with a commanding 211-run defeat of Sri Lanka at Galle, emphatically reversing expectations at a venue where the home side typically thrive.
And skipper Root was buoyed by the collective effort over four days by the Indian Ocean.
Debutant wicketkeeper Ben Foakes was named man of the match for his crucial century and tidy glovework, but Keaton Jennings’ meticulous 146 not out in the second innings and Moeen Ali’s best match figures on the road, eight for 137, were equally indispensable.
Sam Curran and Jack Leach also made noteworthy contributions, leaving Root to balance post-match celebration with considerations for next week’s clash in Kandy.
Jonny Bairstow, the established keeper, is expected to be fit from ankle trouble by then and 123-cap paceman Stuart Broad, dropped here for the first time in six years, will be angling for a recall if the pitch offers encouragement.
“It’s a really special feeling and it’s obviously great to see guys come into the team and really take their opportunities,” said Root after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 250.
“The way we played throughout the four days, with everyone contributing and playing a part, is really pleasing.
“It’s great to see the strength in depth in this squad of players. We’ve some difficult selections ahead which I’m not complaining about. I’m going to enjoy that meeting.
“You want guys performing and to make those tough calls. Whether that’s leaving people out, keeping the same team, shuffling the pack slightly, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Foakes suggested he would be ready to buy into that ethic, even hinting he would stand aside willingly if a fit-again Bairstow was preferred.
“Jonny, I think, will potentially be fit so I guess he’s the number one,” said the Surrey man.
“If I (only) play one game, I’m quite happy with that one. To be honest, if you asked me two weeks ago I was having six months off, so just to be sat here now is unbelievable.”