Ben Foakes' old club in Essex celebrate his dream Test debut for England

Essex-born cricketer Ben Foakes enjoyed a dream debut as his unbeaten 87 helped England recover to 321-8 on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The tourists were struggling at 103-5 when Foakes came to the crease, but his classy innings ensured they finished the day in a comfortable position.

Foakes was only selected at late notice after an ankle injury ruled out first choice wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow for the match.

  • Watch an extended interview with Chris Armstrong from Frinton-on-Sea Cricket Club

Back at his old club in Frinton-on-Sea, they packed the clubhouse to watch the 25-year-old make his international bow.

Foakes played for the club from the age of six, and still regularly comes back to visit.

If Foakes does manage to add 13 more runs on Wednesday, he will become the first England wicketkeeper to ever make a century in Asia.

"It's just a hugely proud time," Frinton-on-Sea Cricket Club committee member Chris Armstrong told ITV News Anglia.

"Only four seasons ago he was still playing here (Frinton). He's still a regular visitor to the club, and a life member of the club, and very much part of the fabric of Frinton.

"We are just so hugely proud - and what a debut, it was absolutely phenomenal!"