Spinners Jack Leach and Dom Bess were left to nurse a combined return of nought for 195 in 64 overs.

England’s record wicket-taker was immediately on the hunt again, finding sharp movement off the pitch to remove Mathews in his first over.

Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008, the West Indies batsman became only the second player to make a double century in his first Test as captain.

James Anderson returned figures of three for 24.

The England seamer added to his 600 wickets as Sri Lanka finished day one on 229 for four in Galle.

Hales has been in international exile since a second recreational drug test failure on the eve of England’s triumphant World Cup campaign.

The 38-year-old finished with exemplary figures of three for 24 on a surface offering precious little encouragement.

Shubman Gill impressed with his technique against short-pitch bowling, and his father has said he honed those skills during practice.

The home side reached 155 for three at tea, with England’s record wicket-taker responsible for all three dismissals.

CSA is confident the scheduled Australia tour to the country will take place despite the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in South Africa