Foakes stars on debut to lead England recovery

Debutant Ben Foakes was England’s unexpected saviour with the bat on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka, helping rewrite what was threatening to become a familiar script in Galle.

The Surrey wicketkeeper was not even in the original touring party, a late call-up as cover for the injured Jonny Bairstow, but ended his first day in international cricket with an 87 not out to his name.

Having successfully persuaded the selectors he was the best gloveman for the job, he gave what would have been a resounding audition for a specialist batting spot, arriving at the crease at 103 for five and walking off having shepherded England to 321 for eight.

The top order had imploded during a frantic morning on foreign soil, several self-inflicted wounds leaving them on the verge of collapse.

But Foakes successfully rebooted the entire innings and possibly the match itself. He batted with calm authority over 184 deliveries, blunting the Sri Lankan spinners and gently turning the tide with late assistance from Sam Curran (48).

England’s team was lighter on experience by 342 caps since its last outing in September – the retired Alastair Cook, the injured Bairstow and the dropped Stuart Broad replaced by firsttimers in Rory Burns and Foakes and rookie spinner Jack Leach playing in just his second Test.

Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s Rangana Herath became only the third player in the history of Test cricket to take a century of wickets at a single ground.

England captain Joe Root was the spinner’s 100th victim at Galle in his farewell Test appearance.