Brook century gives England commanding start against Sri Lanka

Harry Brook struck an unbeaten 114 from 49 balls as England defeated Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the first T20I in Southampton.

England posted 254-4 after being sent in, with Brook hitting 10 fours and six sixes. Jos Buttler added 80 from 44 balls, and the pair shared a 128-run partnership.

Sri Lanka were dismissed for 135 in 19 overs, with England seamer Sonny Baker taking 3-12 for his best performance for the side.

Brook’s aggressive strokeplay prompted comparisons with former England batter Kevin Pietersen, who is joining England’s backroom staff as a mentor ahead of next year’s 50-over World Cup. Brook said he had admired Pietersen’s approach of taking the attack to bowlers.

BBC Sport reported that the pair’s records at a similar age offer some points of comparison, while noting that Pietersen’s career included iconic Ashes performances. England’s victory extended their winning run against Sri Lanka in T20Is to 13 matches.