Wicktkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes welcomed the Player of the Series accolade as England completed a three-nil Test sweep over Sri Lanka on Monday.

England won the first in Galle, second in Pallekelle and third Test in Colombo by 211, 57 and 42 runs respectively. Foakes, in his maiden international series, impressed behind and in front of the stumps throughout.

He scored 277 runs in six innings, which included a century and a half-ton, and clinched eight catches and two stumpings.

‘It has been a crazy few weeks and really good fun. The Sri Lankan guys bowled really well. I’ve been here six times, so knowing the conditions is a big part of it. I’m just going with the flow, here for the ride,’ said Foakes.

The recalled Jonny Bairstow was named Man of the Match in the final Test, after a fine century in the first innings. Sidelined by an ankle injury for matches one and two, he replaced the injured Sam Curran for the third.

‘The guys have put in a real shift. It’s been an up-and-down tour for me –  and it is great to be back part of the lads out in the middle,’ said Bairstow, who played as a specialist batsman rather than replace Foakes as wicketkeeper-batsman.

‘It is great to be out with the fans on the boundary.’

Image: Getty