Sri Lanka vs. England: Ben Foakes hits 87 not out on his Test debut

Ben Foakes starred on the opening day of the first Test in Galle with an unbeaten 87 on his debut as England reached 321-8 at the close of play.

Joe Root’s England side had a shaky start after another batting collapse, the BBC reports, but Foakes’s partnerships with Sam Curran, Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid steadied the ship.

Root was bowled by Rangana Herath for 35 to become the Sri Lanka spinner’s 100th Test victim in Galle and his 431st career wicket.

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Surrey wicketkeeper Foakes had only recently been called into the England squad following an ankle injury sustained by regular gloveman Jonny Bairstow. Foakes admitted that he did not even think he was going to be named in the team for the Galle fixture.

“It was a whirlwind,” the 25-year-old told Sky Sports. “I always dreamt of my debut, I had a lot of emotions this morning but to get out there and get off the mark eased things. It was a fantastic day.

“It looked tough this morning, it spun a lot. I was trying to grind and make it hard for them to get me out. I had to nudge and nurdle which is my game and then it got easier to score as the day wore on.

“I didn’t expect to play at all. When Rooty told me yesterday I was pretty surprised, I’d had a month off cricket. I think I’ll sleep OK, I’ll pass out. It’s hit me hard today.”

TV and radio details

The second day’s play starts tomorrow morning at 4.30am (UK time). The match is live on Sky Sports Cricket with coverage beginning at 4.15am. Ball-by-ball radio coverage on talkSPORT 2 starts at 4am.