Captain Harry Brook smashed a sensational 42-ball century as England launched their Vitality T20 series against Sri Lanka with a dominant 119-run win in Southampton.
Brook finished unbeaten on 114 from 49 deliveries in a total of 254 for four after sharing a 128-run second-wicket partnership with Jos Buttler and tormenting the tourists’ bowlers with 10 fours and six sixes.
The 27-year-old’s century was his first in 18 international innings in all formats – since the World Cup win against Pakistan in February – and England’s joint second-fastest in T20.
Opener Buttler crunched 80 off 44 balls before Hampshire bowler Sonny Baker took three wickets for 12 runs on his home ground as Sri Lanka were restricted to 135 all out at the Utilita Bowl.
Tuesday evening’s emphatic victory gave Kevin Pietersen a winning start to his return to the England setup in a mentoring role with the white-ball side.
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