England’s new-look ODI side reached a historic milestone on Tuesday, dismantling Sri Lanka by 53 runs to clinch a hard-fought 2-1 series victory. Behind a bedrock century from veteran Joe Root and a "Stone Cold" explosive ton from captain Harry Brook, England posted a massive 357 for three; their highest-ever ODI total on Sri Lankan soil.
After a shaky start that saw England reeling at 40-2, the Yorkshire duo of Root and Brook combined for an unbeaten 191-run stand that shifted the contest from competitive to "imposing."
Joe Root (111 off 108):* The "bedrock" of the team. Root notched his 20th ODI century, playing a masterclass in rotation with 58 singles and nine boundaries.
Harry Brook (136 off 66):* Pure mayhem. Brook plundered a career-best score, reaching his hundred in just 57 balls. He celebrated his landmark with a WWE-style "Stone Cold Steve Austin" salute, smashing imaginary beer cans together.
Jacob Bethell (65): The youngster provided the necessary bridge, sharing a 126-run stand with Root to stabilize the innings after early losses.
Rooty is exceptional to have in the side. I liked how the batters tried to put pressure on the bowlers, even in tough conditionsHarry Brook, England Captain
Sri Lanka required their highest-ever successful ODI chase to win. While they exploded out of the blocks with 104 runs in the powerplay, the discipline of England’s spin trio proved decisive.
Pavan Rathnayake provided the home fans with a silver lining, scoring a magnificent maiden international century (121 off 115 balls). However, as England's spinners found 40% more turn (3.7°) than the hosts, Rathnayake was left isolated. He was eventually the last man out, his leg stump uprooted by Sam Curran.
| Category | England | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 357/3 (50 overs) | 304 All Out (46.4 overs) |
| Top Batter | Harry Brook (136)* | Pavan Rathnayake (121) |
| Boundary Count | 11 Fours, 9 Sixes (Brook) | 12 Fours (Rathnayake) |
| Top Bowler | Adil Rashid (2/??) | Dhananjaya de Silva (1/45) |
This victory ends Sri Lanka’s 12-series unbeaten run at home in 50-over cricket. For England, the "old head/young gun" dynamic between Root and Brook appears to be the blueprint for the 2027 cycle.
Series Result: England wins 2-1.
Player of the Series: Joe Root (Centurion and two half-centuries).
Next Up: A three-match T20 series starting this Friday, January 30.