SL VS ENG - 1st Test, England tour of Sri Lanka, 2018

The journey began at this very venue in 1999. He had to be patient with his opportunities with a superstar (Muttiah Muralitharan) around, but he took over the reigns very dutifully when the master did pass on the baton. Your ability to get the ball to turn and bounce was great to watch. The way you set up batsmen is something many left-arm tweakers can watch and learn. The control over your arm ball is something very difficult to master at the highest level. The responsibility you showed to lead the team from the front in pressure situations showed your character. Those handy contributions lower down the order with the bat cannot be forgotten. More than everything, you have been a great, humble human being. You were indeed a true ambassador of the Gentleman's game. A true inspiration. Niyama Gaana Rangayya!

Coming back to the game. From 103/5 in the first innings to dominating the Test at a venue they have not tasted success before, it has been a remarkable comeback by the England team. Debutant Ben Foakes showed great application to share very vital stands with Buttler, Curran and Rashid and then the bowlers took over. Galle has been a sweet venue for Sri Lanka, but could not give a fitting send-off to a very humble left-arm spinner. The hosts need to improve their batting and hope the injury scares don't force changes.

Herath is being carried on the shoulders by his team-mates with the Sri Lankan flag in the background. Quite a few people with placards and shirts reading "Thank You Rangana."

Rangana Herath: "It's of course an emotional occasion, but I need to start another life. I might go to my club and may play some first-class cricket. From 2011 the support from my wife, kids and my immediate family members has been amazing, I really appreciate the support and without that I don't think I could have got to where I am right now." He holds his composure as he thanks everyone who helped him have a great career.

Rangana Herath walks out with his family. He's being gifted with a coin to commemorate the achievement of becoming the first left spinner to take 400 Test wickets. A trophy is given as well.

Joe Root (England captain): "Very proud of the way we played this game. Just after lunch time, we were pretty much in control of the game. That partnership between Ben Foakes and Buttler was outstanding. The wicket was a bit tacky at the start of the day, so we wanted to go out and score at a quick rate, not just sit in a bunker and then the pitch started to change. It got a lot easier to bat on as it dried out. Really proud of Foakes and the rest of the guys. Lower-order played crucial knocks and helped us reach a good total. We have done our homework. As a whole bowling unit, we were excellent. It's been a fantastic start to the tour, we need to back up with a good performance. I am glad he (Herath) is not there for the next match, having gotten out twice to him (smiles). But yeah, he's had a fantastic career and it's great to see so many people celebrate his career."

Rangana is presented with a goodbye note and a shirt with all the players signing on it.

Dinesh Chandimal (Sri Lanka captain): "It was a really good wicket, our batting was below-par and if you displayed such kind of a batting, you can't stay in the game. Credit to England, they outplayed us. Ben and Jos batted really well in the first innings. We fought hard, but we couldn't get the wickets at the end. We need to regroup and looking forward to the next game. Batting is the biggest worry. We need to address that. We all know it's a hard day for us. We all know how much Rangana has contributed to the team and Sri Lankan cricket. It is a very emotional day today. We wish him a good future. I would like to say sorry to him that we couldn't win and give him a good farewell. I have a groin strain and I still don't know who long it takes to heal. He (Rangana) was a tremendous man and a great human being I have ever seen. We have a small gift to him on behalf of the team."

Ben Foakes (Man of the Match on debut): "It's been a surreal few days for me and it feels like a dream. I was a bit nervous initially, but to be able to contribute was amazing. It was very tough but it was good fun, I really enjoyed my wicket-keeping. I have been here a few times before and it must've helped (on playing spinners). It was incredible to face their quality spinners. I think Jonny should be fit for the next game, will have to see what happens. It's a dream come true (on winning the Test and contributing to the team), one of the best few weeks of my career so far."

Ashu: Though Sri Lanka have done well to get to 250 mark inn the 4th Innings. England needs to work so that they can be relentless, if they want to win overseas.

An excellent win for England. Ben Foakes' hundred was crucial to get a sizeable first innings total, before the spin trio rattled the hosts to manage a 139-run first innings lead. Keaton Jennings then played a brilliant knock to stretch that lead out of Sri Lanka's reach. England's spin troika were at work again, sharing 8 wickets between them, while Stokes bowled his heart out in a fantastic spell after lunch. Batting a big worry for Sri Lanka, only two fifties in the game and both came from Angelo Mathews. They have a lot to think about ahead of the second Test. The shot selection/application was under the scanner.

Standing ovation for Herath as he walks back to the dressing room for one final time. The Barmy Army shows their support too. The England players doing a sort of lap of honour acknowledging the support they have got. Meanwhile, an intruder tried to enter the field, but he was caught by the security.

Adil Rashid to Herath, out Herath Run Out!! 1 run completed. What an unfortunate way to Rangana Herath's international career. This was a reverse sweep attempted and the under edge beat the keeper, looked like easy two runs there, but Herath was struggling in his return and dived full length knowing he was in trouble. Stokes fired a good through to Foakes, who whipped the sticks off. The bat was on the line and Herath was ruled out by the third umpire. So England win a Test for the first time in Galle - by 211 runs. Herath run out (Stokes/Foakes) 5(18)

Adil Rashid to Herath, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Is Herath run-out in his final appearance? A very tough call for the ump. The bat is on the line when the bail is bring disturbed, but is it fully out of the groove? OUT it will be and that's end of Herath's career.

Moeen Ali to Lakmal, no run, very full and outside off stump, Lakmal drives it to mid-off, who dives and stops the ball

Moeen Ali to Lakmal, no run, turned to square leg with the turn

Moeen Ali to Lakmal, no run, jumps out of the crease and tries to defend as Moeen Ali drops the ball short

Moeen Ali to Lakmal, no run, spinning back in sharply, Lakmal flicks it to backward square leg

Moeen Ali to Herath, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Herath sweeps hard and the top edge rolls towards long leg

Moeen Ali to Herath, no run, plays inside the line of this flighted delivery and lets it pass