Australian-born Sam Robson managed just one on his debut innings for England on Thursday in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.

Although he was playing on his Middlesex home ground, that proved of little advantage to the opening batsman after Sri Lanka won the toss.

Nuwan Pradeep, bowling from the Nursery End, drew Robson forward with a full-length delivery that took the outside edge and wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene, diving to his right, held a fine catch.

The 24-year-old Sydney-born Robson, the son of an English mother, was in for 17 minutes alongside England captain Alastair Cook and faced just seven balls.

Although there was some controversy regarding his decision to opt for England, Robson – called up after Michael Carberry was dropped – said last week when the squad was announced that he felt no conflict of loyalties.

“I grew up in Australia until I left school but moved here when I was 18 and have lived here for my whole adult life really,” Robson told BBC radio.

“This is my home; this is where my cricket has taken me.

“I love living in London, I love England and this is where my life is,” he insisted.