Twitter Reactions: Ben Foakes shines on debut for England in Galle

The farewell game of Rangana Herath got underway today in Galle as the fireworks welcomed the veteran when he was introduced to bowl. But England looked up for the task as their lower-order once again took the game away from the hosts much like they did during India series. Ben Foakes was at his best on Test debut as he remained unbeaten on 87 at stumps as his team finished the day on 311/8. After opting to bat first, the other debutant Rory Burns didn’t have an auspicious outing as he was found wanting on the legside off Suranga Lakmal. England were dented again off the very next delivery as Moeen Ali’s off-stump was uprooted. Keaton Jennings and Joe Root then attacked and stitched a partnership of 62 runs for the third wicket. But the latter had a moment of brainfade as he charged out of his crease only to get castled off Herath. Keaton Jennings also saw his furniture disturbed after sometime as Dilruwan Perera was all over the visitors. At 103/5, things looked bleak for England in the first session itself. Curran and Foakes stand tall However, the batsmen’s approach completely changed in the second session as Jos Buttler and Foakes added 61 runs for the sixth wicket. Perera continued to shine and trouble the opponents as he snaffled the former with a brilliant delivery for 38. But then came the star of the India series, Sam Curran. He batted patiently even as Foakes got settled. The debutant played some exquisite strokes and frustrated the home side. His footwork was key in playing the spinners and has made a statement in his first outing itself. The duo added 88 runs in 33 overs as Sri Lanka tried everything possible to clean the tail. England’s lower-order was at its best once again as they bailed the team out of trouble once again. Just when the things looked flat for Sri Lanka, Perera rose to the occasion and got rid of Curran who missed his half-century by just two runs. Eventually, England finished the day with Foakes on 87 and Jack Leach on 14 as they will aim to add more on the second day. The hosts though will be disappointed that they failed to boss the game after having England five down very early. Here’s how Twitter reacted during the day: Loved the 2 nd Session … Test Match Batting has resumed … England now have a couple of centre halves at the Nou camp #SLvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 6, 2018 The little Champ @HerathRSL Congratulations on a fabulous career and all the best to life after . One of the best as a player and person too. #Galle #SLVENG pic.twitter.com/nlPQrWbWEr — Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) November 6, 2018 Wishing @HerathRSL aiya all the best in his last test appearance. Lucky enough to have played alongside. Stage is your champ! Look forward for a great show!!🤘#NiyamaiRangaiya#ThankYouHerath#ThankYouRangana#KurunegalaLara — Danushka Gunathilaka (@danushka_70) November 6, 2018 Best wishes @HerathRSL as you play your final test. It’s been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments of joy, heartbreak and glory. Yet through it all You played the game with grace and humility. Greatness sits firmly but lightly upon your shoulders. — Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) November 6, 2018 Has Sam Curran got an IPL deal yet? — Bob Bamber (@CricketFanBob) November 6, 2018 Good luck for your last test @HerathRSL aiye….. will make this unforgettable one….#SLvsENG — Dimuth Karunaratne (@IamDimuth) November 6, 2018 I really like the look of Sam Curran. This guy with little bit of guidence can become a very good all rounder. Raw Talent. #SLvENG #ENGvSL — Siddharth Jha (@jha_siddhus91) November 6, 2018 Sam Curran is quite a player, he proved that he is an all conditions allrounder, not like that fraud Pandya in English team. England have found a gem you know.!! Missed his fifty here. #SLvENG — ßATSY🏏 (@itsalokj_) November 6, 2018 Sam Curran !! Boon for England !!! 👌👌👌 #ENGvSL — WaTTe BuSy DaYYY … (@PhaniBhushan21) November 6, 2018 Hate to say it but Surrey are showing England the way to play Test cricket …. #Foakes — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 6, 2018 Wishing ⁦@HerathRSL⁩ the legend nothing but the best.Thanks for your services #greathuman pic.twitter.com/hT129LXmll — Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) November 6, 2018 What a stunning debut innings by Ben Foakes , hoping he gets the maiden ton he deserves tomorrow #slveng — Chris Bond (@ChrisBond11) November 6, 2018 Ben Foakes is playing a blinder here #SLvENG — Nigel Walters (@nige26_W) November 6, 2018 England have stronger lower order & tail in tests than there top order. Everytime they rescue their side 😯#SLvENG — …🙇… (@CricFreak_rd) November 6, 2018 With three spinners in the side, I'm delighted that we have a proper gloveman behind the sticks.Apparently his eight first class hundreds are handy too.#Foakes. #SLvENG. #TwirlyMen. — Dave Bird (@BardDave) November 6, 2018 Ben Foakes sounds like a parody name of Ben Stokes #SLvENG — Abhilash 🔥 (@abhiemi0344) November 6, 2018 Ben Foakes that is unreal. ❤️👏 — Joey (@JoeButtleman) November 6, 2018 Ben foakes Leading the england recovery brilliantly here…….may have uncovered another test gem here #ENGvsSL — sam walker (@SWalker1995) November 6, 2018 England have found another superb test cricketer in the making. Take a bow: Ben Foakes. — Gaurav Kajaria (@gauravkajaria) November 6, 2018 #SRIvENG: 2018 just keeps on giving for @surreycricket supporters……Ben Foakes Sam Curran 👏 — Alan Butcher (@abutch58) November 6, 2018

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Twitter Reactions: Ben Foakes shines on debut for England in Galle

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