- Harry Brook produced a sensational performance by scoring an unbeaten 114 runs from 49 balls to lead England to a dominant 119-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Vitality T20 series opener at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday.
- Former England Test captain Ben Stokes hailed Brook as an “absolute freak” on social media, remarking that even the genius of Kevin Pietersen could not match Brook's raw talent.
- Brook's 42-ball century was his joint second-fastest for England in T20 international cricket, featured 30 runs off a single over, and included a 128-run second-wicket partnership with Jos Buttler, who hit 80 off 44 balls.
- Kevin Pietersen watched the display from the balcony after recently joining the England white-ball setup in a mentoring role under head coach Brendon McCullum, with Brook expressing enthusiasm about learning from his childhood hero.
- Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in response to England's imposing score, with Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker taking figures of three for 12 on his home ground.
IN FULL
Ben Stokes hails ‘freak’ Harry Brook and makes bold Kevin Pietersen comparison after England innings
