Once the disappointment of defeat fades, Harry Brook can reflect on another starring role with the bat that underlines his status as the world's best all-format batter, writes Stephan Shemilt.
In the moment, another landmark may mean little to Brook. Despite his efforts, his team were beaten as the spirited Sri Lankans pulled off the second-highest run-chase in history in one of the most astonishing ODIs ever played. He became the first man to make a double ton in an ODI and end up on the losing side. Still, it further underlined his status as the premier run-getter across all kinds of international cricket, a crown only Australia's Travis Head can realistically challenge.
Ranked by the International Cricket Council as the best Test batter in the world, Brook averages 53.08 in the longer format. No England player with at least 20 innings since 1968 has a better average, standing above Joe Root, Alastair Cook and Geoffrey Boycott. In T20 internationals he averages 36.21 at a strike-rate of 164.92, the best of any batter with at least 20 innings for a major nation. His captaincy also suits him: his ODI average rises 31 runs when he leads the side.
Brook's workload remains a concern. Having played every England fixture since being rested for a T20 series in Ireland last September, he will be the only man to play every game this winter, five tours to four countries across three continents. He has turned down the riches of the Indian Premier League to focus on England, a decision that earns less credit than it deserves. Ben Stokes has told him he should be averaging 60 or more in Test cricket, and the missing piece remains a starring role in winning a major series or tournament.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing