Harry Brook brought England's one-day winter to a spectacular close, mirroring its beginning with another breathtaking century. The 26-year-old marked his achievement with a defiant celebration that directly referenced his recent alcohol-related misconduct, removing his gloves at Colombo's Premadasa Stadium and mimicking American wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin's iconic beer-can-slamming ring entrance.
Controversial Celebration Follows Professional Rebuke
This provocative gesture came just weeks after Brook received a maximum £30,000 fine for a late-night altercation with a Wellington bouncer last Halloween. The England limited-overs captain had publicly stated he'd learned lessons about responsibility and professionalism, making his celebratory choice particularly striking. His tendency to draw attention continued off-field too, with undiplomatic criticism of Saturday's pitch as "probably the worst" he'd ever played on.
Match-Winning Performance Seals Historic Victory
Yet on a similar surface to the series opener, Brook reproduced the big-hitting brilliance he'd shown in his backs-to-the-wall 135 against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in October. This time, supported by determined teammates, his efforts secured a winning cause - England's 2-1 series victory marking their first overseas ODI success in eight years.
Record-Breaking Innings Display
Brook's late-innings rampage saw him register the sixth-fastest century by an England batsman in ODIs, reaching three figures off just 57 balls. He finished unbeaten on 136 from 66 deliveries, having screamed past batting partner Joe Root who was already on his way to his 20th ODI hundred. Brook's innings featured nine sixes and demonstrated immaculate timing, particularly in his ability to hit Sri Lanka's spinners over extra cover or midwicket at will.
Team Effort Creates Foundation for Success
Building on foundations laid by fellow Yorkshireman Joe Root (110 not out) and 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, Brook propelled England to 357 for three - their highest-ever score against Sri Lanka. This represented England's first instance of posting century stands for both third and fourth wickets in a limited-overs match.
Strategic Patience Pays Dividends
The victory showcased significant improvement from a team that failed to go beyond 40.1 overs during their 3-0 whitewash by New Zealand three months earlier. England demonstrated strategic patience, crawling to 77 for two after 20 overs with just six boundaries, before incrementally developing the tempo to a crescendo as Sri Lankan players struggled in extreme conditions.
Emerging Talent Shines Bright
Jacob Bethell, fresh from an Ashes hundred and aged just 22, drew attention with a stunning 30th over in which he toyed with Asitha Fernando. His 64-ball half-century featured four boundaries threaded through gaps with impressive power and precision placement. The young batsman's current equipment deal expires in March, with batmakers reportedly scrambling for his signature following his Australian heroics.
Comprehensive Team Performance
While Sri Lanka reached three figures inside the first 10 overs of their chase - the first time they'd achieved this in ODI cricket - Pavan Rathnayake's maiden international hundred never truly threatened an upset. England's victory represented their most wholesome white-ball display during 12 months under Brendon McCullum's leadership, combining individual brilliance with collective resilience in challenging conditions.
