England set down a marker
JOE Root believes his England side have set down a marker for the challenges ahead in 2021 after starting the year with a decisive first Test victory over Sri Lanka in Galle.
England’s schedule over the next 12 months represents a mouthwatering set of assignments, with home and away series against India, a likely visit from world number ones New Zealand and an Ashes trip next winter all on the cards.
And they inked an early win into the calendar by sealing a sevenwicket success over Sri Lanka, built around a double century from Root, a combined haul of 14 scalps from spinners Jack Leach and Dom Bess and, eventually, a calm day-five pursuit of their 74-run target.
At 14 for three on the fourth evening there was still room for some old doubts to creep in, with the ball spinning dramatically and fielders crowding around the bat.
But they were put to bed by the returning Jonny Bairstow and debutant Dan Lawrence, who quelled the comeback before finishing the job yesterday morning.
The pair finished with a stand of 62, leaving the tourists to celebrate a fourth consecutive overseas win following three in South Africa last winter - something last managed in 1957.
England have also won their past five Tests in Sri Lanka, mastering unfamiliar conditions on an island where they have previously come out on top three times in their first 12 attempts.
“We’ll take a lot of heart from the way we’ve gone about this game,” said Root.
“If we keep learning from this game, from the good things and also the mistakes that we’ve made, we will be very hard to beat.
“It’s really important that we started off strong this winter, and really pleasing in the manner we have done it. There will be bigger challenges throughout the winter - and beyond - but we are going in the right direction.
“I’m really proud and pleased with the way we’ve started here and how we’ve gone about performing away from home recently.”