HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

England crush Sri Lanka by 223 runs in ODI series finale

BBC Sport •
×

Tom Banton slammed a brilliant first international century to power England to 355-7. Brook added 77 and Cox struck 76 as England posted a massive total. Sri Lanka crumbled to 132 all out, giving England a 223-run victory.

It marked England's fifth successive series win, signing off their summer amid off-field changes including Stokes' retirement and Root's return as Test captain. Banton's 126 came after a turbulent spell following his 2019 debut. He dedicated the knock to his fiancá, Lilly, who was present.

Brook and Banton shared a 150-run stand. Sri Lanka lost early wickets, including Root, and capitulated despite Kusal Mendis' 35. Sonny Baker took a key catch.

Banton credited reverse sweeps and pull shots for his form. He may be dropped for a Pakistan tri-series starting 20 October. England's dominance continued despite earlier inconsistencies across formats.