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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Taha Hashim in Colombo

‘He’s taken his punishment’: Root lauds Brook after England’s win in Sri Lanka

Joe Root and Harry Brook taking a run during England's win against Sri Lanka
Joe Root (left) said Harry Brook is ‘going to do wonderful things in an England shirt, both as a player and as a leader’. Photograph: Ishara S Kodikara/AFP/Getty Images

Joe Root has lavished praise on Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum after the pair celebrated their first one‑day international victory abroad while in charge of England’s white-ball teams.

Root’s 75 was the guiding hand in England’s five-wicket win against Sri Lanka on Saturday, ending a losing sequence away from home that began in November 2024. McCullum began his reign as all-format head coach two months later in India before Brook ascended to the limited‑overs captaincy in April. Both have been scrutinised in recent weeks: McCullum’s future has been questioned after England’s defeat in the Ashes, while Brook has apologised for clashing with a nightclub bouncer on the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand at the start of the winter.

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