Joe Root hails England after opening Test win in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka vs. England 1st Test

• England first innings: 342
• Sri Lanka first innings: 203
• England second innings: 322-6 declared
• Sri Lanka second innings: 250
• England won by 211 runs

England captain Joe Root says the victory in the opening Test match against Sri Lanka was one of the best of his career.

Root’s side wrapped up the result with a day to spare, winning by a margin of 211 runs. The victory was England’s first in Galle and also their first overseas Test win since 2016.

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After debutant Ben Foakes hit a century in the first innings and opener Keaton Jennings scored 146 not out in the second, it was the turn of England’s bowlers to shine.

In Sri Lanka’s second innings England bowler Moeen Ali took 4-71 while fellow spinner Jack Leach ended with figures of 3-60.

The all-round performance pleased skipper Root. He told the BBC: “It is right up there as one of my best wins. We were in control for the majority of the game which shows how skilful and consistent we have been.

“As a group we have all contributed in some form but to see young inexperienced guys put together really important match-winning performances is really pleasing. It shows the plans are right, the preparation is right.”

Man-of-the-match Foakes said his Test debut was a “dream come true”. He added: “To be able to contribute to the team is just amazing. It has been one of the best weeks of my career so far, if not the best.”

The second Test of the three-match series takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy and starts on 14 November.