Harry Brook's Explosive 136* and Joe Root's Century Power England to Historic 2-1 ODI Series Win in Sri Lanka

England have secured their first away ODI series win in nearly three years, defeating Sri Lanka 2-1 in a dramatic turnaround at Khettarama. The victory was built on the backs of two exceptional innings from Harry Brook and Joe Root, whose contrasting but complementary centuries propelled England to an unassailable total.

Brook's Breathtaking Assault

Harry Brook produced one of the most devastating ODI innings in recent memory, blasting an unbeaten 136 from just 66 deliveries. The England captain's second ODI century included 11 fours and nine sixes, a display of raw power and precision that completely shifted the momentum of the match.

"That was a decent wicket. I was happy with it. It ended up being better than we thought."

Just three days earlier, Brook had battled through what he described as the "worst pitch" he'd ever encountered. The contrast between that gritty performance and Monday's exhibition of strokeplay highlighted the 25-year-old's remarkable versatility.

Root's Masterclass Continues

While Brook grabbed the headlines with his pyrotechnics, Joe Root's composed unbeaten 111 from 108 balls provided the foundation England needed. The veteran batter's 20th ODI century was scored at less than half his captain's strike rate, but its importance to the team's success cannot be overstated.

Root was deservedly named Player of the Series after accumulating 247 runs at an average of 123.50 across the three matches, including a match-winning fifty in Saturday's series-levelling victory.

"More than anything, you just want to win games and contribute to winning games. My role in this team is pretty obvious, and it's nice to try and help the younger guys come through now, I've got a bit older."

Partnership Excellence

The unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 191 between Brook and Root was the cornerstone of England's commanding total. Root had earlier combined with Jacob Bethell for a crucial third-wicket stand of 126, with the young left-hander contributing a fluent 65 from 72 balls.

Once Root reached his century from exactly 100 balls, he selflessly took a backseat, adding just one more run as Brook plundered 69 runs in the closing overs with extraordinary poise and power.

"It was great out there. The way that Beth played, then Harry came in and just took the game on in that manner. It was fantastic. It shows his versatility, with the way he played the other night, compared to today."

Mentorship and Team Culture

Brook was quick to acknowledge Root's influence beyond the scoreboard, revealing the pair had worked together in the nets ahead of the decisive match.

"Rooty is just exceptional. To have him in the side just helps every day. I was working on a few things with Rooty in the nets yesterday, and luckily it paid off today."

Root embraced his evolving role within the England setup:

"As you play, your role in that aspect changes all the time. So it's just moving along with that and trying to help those other guys come through."

Breaking the Overseas Drought

Prior to Saturday's victory, England had suffered 11 consecutive overseas ODI defeats. This series win represents a significant psychological breakthrough for a team that has struggled away from home conditions.

"It shows what we are capable of as a 50-over team. It's a really good step forward for this group after a tough little period, especially away from home. So there's a lot to build on."

Looking Ahead

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, several squad members will now shift their focus to the shorter format, carrying momentum from this confidence-boosting series victory.

For Root, however, the Sri Lanka tour marks the end of a marathon winter campaign that began in New Zealand in October and included his heroic twin centuries in a losing Ashes cause.

"I'm quite looking forward to it, to be honest. Having a little bit of time at home, a bit of a break and time with the family. I'll have a good lead into that Test series."

England's next Test assignment comes against New Zealand in June, giving Root valuable time to recharge and refine his game ahead of another busy international summer.