England arrived in Sri Lanka with Bairstow as their first-choice wicketkeeper, but an injury picked up in a warm-up during the ODI series saw Foakes called into the side.

The Surrey star enjoyed a dream debut, with a match-winning hundred and solid performance behind the stumps in Galle, as England began the series with a 211-run victory. Although Bairstow was fit to play the second Test, Foakes kept his place in the side at the expense of England’s ODI opener.

Despite his natural talent behind the stumps shining through – Foakes’ glovework to England’s spin trio was particularly impressive – the Player of the Series admitted that he found adapting to the local conditions a tough challenge.

Nevertheless, it has been a series to remember for England’s new star, as he helped his side to their first series win in Asia since 2012.

“It has been an unbelievable tour and a brilliant series to be a part of. I don’t think many people would have expected a 3-0 result here looking at what has happened here in the past, but we have managed to achieve it.”