England seized one of the most remarkable victories in Test history on Monday when they beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 14 runs in a match which appeared doomed to end in a frustrating draw.

After 130 overs had been lost to rain in the first Test of a three-match series, England bowled the tourists out for just 82 in a fraction over two hours in their second innings.

The result was a stunning turnaround after only 15 wickets had fallen on the first four days and provided yet more evidence that England's ambition to become the number one Test team in the world is a realistic goal.

"It will go down as one of the most extraordinary Test matches we have ever played," England captain Andrew Strauss told reporters. "Earlier in the day I was saying that it was one of the drabbest Test matches I have played.

The final day started four hours late and England batted for only two overs to allow Ian Bell to reach his hundred, declaring at 496 for five.

Sri Lanka then began their second innings trailing by 96 runs at 1521 local time. By 1732 the game was over.

Fast bowler Chris Tremlett sparked the win with the first three wickets and finished with four for 40. Off-spinner Graeme Swann claimed four for 16 and Stuart Broad wrapped up the win with the final two wickets.

England's performance was all the more praiseworthy as they had been reduced to three specialist bowlers when their leading paceman James Anderson suffered a side strain in the Sri Lanka first innings.

Sri Lanka struggled immediately when Tharanga Piranavitana was caught at first slip off Tremlett for a duck and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan was caught and bowled for 10 before tea.

After the interval, Sri Lanka were immediately under pressure once more when Mahela Jayawardene (15) became England and Tremlett's third wicket. After playing and missing the previous ball, the batsman edged the next delivery to Strauss at first slip.

It was then 36 for four when Thilan Samaraweera (0), batting with an injured elbow, chopped a bottom edge on to his stumps from a ball that turned and kept low from Swann.

The procession of wickets continued as Sri Lanka slipped from 43 for four to 43 for seven, starting with the loss of former captain Kumar Sangakkara for 14.

The left-hander came forward and prodded at Swann only to edge low down to Strauss at slip for his third catch of the innings.

"Sangakarra's was the crucial wicket," said Strauss. "We were then into the tail. That was a massive wicket for us."

By this time the 922 spectators, who had either braved the rain or arrived late to watch just under half a day's play, would have sensed that one of Test cricket's most freakish results was about to unfold before their eyes.

The sixth man to depart was all-rounder and number seven batsman Farveez Maharoof (0), caught off a faint edge by wicketkeeper Matt Prior off Swann. He failed in his bid to have the decision reversed on review.

The next victim in the crazy session was first innings centurion Prasanna Jayawardene (3), who was caught down the leg side by Matt Prior off Tremlett. Initially umpire Billy Doctrove rejected England's appeal but it was overturned on review.

The Sri Lankans looked to be plummeting towards their lowest Test total of 71 when they slumped to 52 for eight with Rangana Herath (3) departing lbw to Swann after missing a sweep.

Ajantha Mendis drove Swann through the covers for a boundary but a rally in which Thisara Perera counter-attacked briefly for 20, including four fours was soon over.

Perera jabbed a ball heading for his ribcage from Stuart Broad to Ian Bell at shirt leg, an impressive one-handed diving effort.

Last man Suranga Lakmal was the 10th victim two balls later when he edged Broad to third slip Alastair Cook to spark jubilant scenes among the England team.

"It's very difficult to explain," said Sri Lanka skipper Dilshan. "I can't believe we got out in 24 overs with such a good batting line-up. We lost the match because we batted badly."