JACK Leach saw out the closing overs as England ended the first day of the first Test in Sri Lanka on 321-8.

The tourists were struggling on 103-5 in front of more than 6,000 spectators in Galle, but Jos Buttler (38) and Sam Curran (48) helped rebuild the innings.

Debutant Ben Foakes was the standout performer, finishing the day on 87 not out alongside Leach, unbeaten on 14.

That came from 17 balls and included two 4s, as the Somerset spinner showed his capability with the bat once again for England.

Leach scored 16 and 14no on his previous international appearance, against New Zealand.

Six of the eight wickets that fell were claimed by spin bowlers - Dilruwan Perera taking 4-70 - which may well give Leach encouragement come Sri Lanka's turn to bat.