Brook and Root Centuries Make England Post 357/3 in Colombo

COLOMBO: Harry Brook and Joe Root established a record of 191 runs unbeaten, the highest fourth-wicket partnership for England in ODIs against Sri Lanka, which helped England secure a huge score of 357/3 in the first innings of the England vs Sri Lanka 3rd ODI.

Early Wickets and Bethell’s Stabilizing Act

England started on a slow track because Sri Lankan spinners had quickly found grip on a pitch that had been tested all week. Ben Duckett fell early to Dhananjaya de Silva, and Rehan Ahmed was caught for 24 when Wanindu Hasaranga caught him.

England were reduced to 40/2, but young Jacob Bethell and the experienced Joe Root had come to the rescue. Bethell was very mature as he scored a fluent 65 out of 72 balls and eight boundaries. He was dismissed in the 32nd over by Jeffrey Vandersay, and this sent captain Harry Brook to the crease, and the scene was set by one of the most explosive finishes in recent ODI history.

The Brook-Root Masterclass

While Joe Root played the anchor role to perfection, reaching his 20th ODI century and crossing the 7,500-run milestone in the format, Harry Brook operated in a different gear. The England captain reached his century in just 57 balls, the second-fastest ever by an England captain in ODIs.

Brook finished unbeaten on 136 off 66 balls, a strike rate of 206.06 that included 11 fours and 9 massive sixes. Root remained a silent but deadly partner, finishing on 111 off 108 balls. The duo plundered 130 runs in the final ten overs, leaving the Sri Lankan pace spearhead Asitha Fernando with expensive figures of 0/77.

Sri Lanka Faced with a Mountain to Climb

Sri Lanka’s bowling department was effective in the initial 30 overs, but it was finally crushed by the sheer strength of Brook's hitting. Although Hasaranga, Vandersay, and DeSilva got wickets, no breaks were made in the last 20 overs, and the Lankan Lions were left with a necessary run rate of 7.16 per over.