Man of the moment Joe Root insists there is more to come from his England side after their winning start to 2021 in Sri Lanka.
England took a 1-0 series lead with a resounding seven-wicket victory in Galle, sealed before lunch on day five as they chased 74.
The trio of Yorkshire stars, Root, Jonny Bairstow and Dom Bess, were integral to the win.
Captain Root imperiously went beyond 8,000 career Test runs with his fourth double century, a brilliant 228 in the first innings as England posted 421.
Earlier, off-spinner Bess had claimed five wickets on the first day as Sri Lanka were rolled for 135. He finished with eight wickets in the match.
Bairstow’s return to the Test arena after a year away yielded scores of 47 and 35 not out, the former contributing to a stand of 114 with third-wicket partner Root and the latter marshalling the chase from 14-3.
Bairstow will get another chance to bat at number three and stake his claim for further appearances amidst increasing batting competition when the second and final Test gets underway in Galle on Friday.
Root said: “To come here with the little preparation we have had and play in the manner we have is very impressive.
“We worked extremely hard, and for the spinners to come out of the game with two five-fors (Bess in the first and Jack Leach in the second) is a great effort. Without the preparation, it is testament to their characters.
“It is a good start to the tour.
“We know we have to keep getting better, but I’m really pleased with the start we have had. The exciting thing is there is more to come from the group.”
