England’s superb opening Test Match win against Sri Lanka in Galle may well have given a delighted captain Joe Root two headaches.

The celebratory one this evening will be richly deserved after a dominant 211-run victory inside four days put the tourists 1-0 at the start of the three-match series.

But once that wears off following a few dressing room drinks, Root will have to turn his attention to picking his side for the second Test in Kandy, starting on Wednesday.

Ben Foakes’ brilliant man-of-the-match debut behind the stumps, including a first-innings century, has made him a hard man to leave out, with Yorkshire ace Jonny Bairstow on the mend following an ankle injury.

There is also the suggestion that the pitch at the Pallekele Stadium will make it more likely that England go with an extra seamer and two spinners instead of three in Moeen Ali, Jack Leach and White Rose leg-spinner Adil Rashid.

Related News

View all news

Opening Season Lunch 2025

Read more

Will O'Rourke Signs For Yorkshire

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce that rising New Zealand star Will O’Rourke has signed for the Club.

Read more

Sign up to our newsletter

For all the latest news, previews, ticket, membership and Premium Experiences information and more exciting content from Yorkshire Cricket and the Northern Diamonds straight to your inbox, subscribe now.

To view our privacy policy, click here.