Joe Root has backed Harry Brook to learn from his nightclub altercation and become an "incredible" England white-ball captain. Brook apologised to teammates after an incident with a bouncer in New Zealand last November, which emerged during England's recent Ashes defeat. Root, speaking in Sri Lanka, defended his fellow Yorkshireman, stating Brook has "taken his punishment" and is focused on moving forward.

Root also praised under-pressure coach Brendon McCullum, calling him one of the best he's worked with and crediting him with improving his game "tenfold." This support comes after England's 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia, which Root admits "clearly hurts." The batter is now focused on England's ongoing ODI series in Sri Lanka, where a win on Tuesday would secure the series victory.

The upcoming T20 World Cup in the subcontinent will be crucial for McCullum's future, with performance there likely influencing his role after the Ashes setback. Root, not part of England's T20 squad, will use the coming months to properly reflect on the difficult tour. Meanwhile, Brook's patient 42 in the second ODI helped set up the decider, showing the leadership Root believes he possesses.