The final day

In the end the 57 run victory was comfortable, giving England their first series away win since South Africa in 2016 after 4-0 thrashings in India and Australia – but what have we learned from the Tour?

1) This is powerful and talented England team which can afford to omit Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes;

2) That we have not resolved the 1-3 positions in the order;

3) That with no seamers taking a Test wicket, we will still need them in the West Indies and The Ashes next year;

4) That Ben Stokes is a match winner as a fielder;

5) That Joe Root’s batsmanship is not shackled by his captaincy;

6) That Sri Lanka are a poor side bedeviled and beleaguered by corruption allegations who must find a new generation to replace Sangakkara , Jayawardene, Herath and Malinga;

7) That Joe “ who “ Denly will be the forgotten man of the series;

8) That Ben Foakes is now England’s wicketkeeper.

It was refreshing – after seeing the bedraggled Barmy Army post defeat in Mumbai in 2017, heads down, walking by the sea following another comprehensive defeat – to see them with spring in their step and in lusty voice today.

We can all celebrate.

The irrepressible Lamby is organising ours by the pool so I must fly.