Jonny Bairstow and Jimmy Anderson earn praise from England captain Alastair Cook

Bairstow continued his outstanding form with the bat, by underpinning England’s 298 with his second Test century – first on his home ground, and in his home country – and added nine catches behind the wicket.

Evergreen Anderson enhanced his reputation yet again with match figures of 10 for 45 as Sri Lanka were bowled out twice in the space of 72 overs – for 91, and then 119 following on, to lose by an innings and 88 inside three days.

Captain Alastair Cook had glowing praise for both, and voiced his delight that Bairstow is proving his own initial judgment correct – after being convinced the Yorkshireman would play for his country from the very first time he saw him bat back in 2010.

“Jonny was playing on a different wicket to the other 21 guys - it was an extraordinary innings,” he said of his 140 here.

“The bowlers, you don’t want to take it for granted - but you knew with those two [Anderson and Stuart Broad], the skill they have got, it would be really hard work for Sri Lanka.”