A memorable century celebration, inspired by professional wrestling, punctuated a dominant England batting display that secured a one-day international series win against Sri Lanka.
The decisive moment came as Harry Brook, the team’s white-ball captain, reached three figures. In a light-hearted nod to wrestling icon “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Brook removed his batting gloves and mimicked the act of clashing two beer cans together. The gesture, met with amusement by teammates, underscored a relaxed yet focused team environment.
Brook’s unbeaten 136 was the cornerstone of England’s imposing total of 357. He was ably supported by senior batsman Joe Root, who himself compiled a century—the 20th of his ODI career. The pair combined for an unbroken partnership of 191, a collaboration Root attributed to focused preparation.
“We spent time working on specific shots and angles suited to these conditions,” Root explained. “To see him implement those plans so effectively from the nets straight into the match was phenomenal. It’s exactly the kind of shared learning you want within a squad.”
Beyond his batting, Brook’s leadership drew significant praise, particularly after Sri Lanka launched a aggressive start to their chase. Root highlighted the captain’s composure under pressure.
“When the opposition comes out swinging, maintaining clarity is crucial,” Root noted. “He was exceptionally calm, knew his plans, and kept control of the situation. That temperament, combined with his ability to connect with the group through humour, points to him being an excellent leader.”
The victory sealed the series for the visiting side, showcasing a potent blend of experienced performance and emerging leadership.