Sri Lanka have beaten England in the First Test in Galle by an innings and 28-runs. Bowled out for 189 in their second innings, with Jayasuriya and Muralitharan taking four wickets each, England lost their last six wickets for just 22 to fall 0-1 behind in the series.

The day started in silence, as players and spectators alike stood in respect for Don Bradman. With Atherton seen as vital to England's chances of saving the game, his dismissal without adding to his overnight score was the ideal start for the hosts. Atherton pushed forward to a full-length ball from Vaas that brushed his outside edge and just carried through to Sangakkara's gloves.

Graham Thorpe was the next to depart, after the morning drinks interval. He batted for the best part of two hours for his 12 runs before being trapped lbw by Kumar Dharmasena, the off-spinner's first wicket of the match. Thorpe had been beaten on the previous delivery and then deceived by a quicker ball that hit him on the roll of his pad as he went onto the back foot. England were 145 for four.

Graeme Hick added 22 runs with Stewart for the fifth wicket. However, his 35-minute stay at the crease was ended when Sanath Jayasuriya started his second spell of the morning from the Fort End. He came forward to a ball that spun and caught the outside edge. Kumar Sangakkara failed to grasp the catch, but parried it to Mahela Jayawardene, who reacted quickly at slip.

White was next to go, somewhat unfortunate to be adjudged lbw to Muralitharan for three and when Jayasuriya bowled Caddick round his legs, and Giles lasted just two balls before falling lbw, not playing a stroke, to Muralitharan the end appeared near. Sure enough, Croft was given out lbw to Jayasuriya, though replays indicated some bat on the ball, and Muralitharan bowled Gough for 0.

Alec Stewart remained unbeaten on 34. He hit four boundaries, including a fine sweep and back foot drive off Muralitharan and a lofted on-drive off Jayasuriya. In the 91st over of the innings he passed 7000 Test runs for England, the seventh Englishmen to do so, and appeared quite comfortable against the spin.

Atapattu beat off the challenge of Trescothick to win the man of the match award. The second Test starts in Kandy on 7th March.

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