Debutant Ben Foakes is “amazed” with his batting show in the first Test of the three-match series at Galle International Stadium, saying it “was meant to be my day” after leading England to a commanding position on Wednesday (November 7) against Sri Lanka.

In his debut Test match, the wicket-keeper batsman hogged the limelight with his brilliant batting show, smashing 107 to help England to finish the first innings at 342 runs at Galle.

Foakes, who got departed by Suranga Lakmal in a hectic 97th, said that scoring the maiden Test ton for his country especially in the sub-contingent was just a great feeling.

After the Day’s play, Foakes told Sky Sports, “I was pretty calm this morning with Leachy [Jack Leach] there, then I think there was five [runs] to go with Jimmy [James Anderson] and I got a bit nervous! He nicked one just short and I guess it was meant to be my day. It was just amazing to get it.”

The 25-year-old further added, “I felt like I had it, I had enough. I saw Herath running around and it didn't look like he was going to get there. Jimmy had stopped running and I wasn't sure it was going to go for four - I thought I was going to get run out. It was just such a relief, a great feeling.”

He is also pleased with the opportunity get the game early as a keeper, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne while catching James Anderson delivery to settle into his role as a Test wicketkeeper in Sri Lanka.

Foakes signed off by saying, “Getting a few runs settled me down, but getting in the game early as a keeper is awesome. With Jimmy bowling, you know you're in the game. To get the first one out was great.”

(With Sky Sports Inputs)