Photograph: Philip Brown/Getty Images

England thrash Sri Lanka following brilliant Harry Brook century

Harry Brook marked the opening fixture of the T20 series against Sri Lanka with a devastating, unbeaten 114 from 49 deliveries to guide England to an emphatic 119-run triumph. The 27-year-old skipper declined the opportunity to sit out the contest despite a taxing summer, instead steering his national team to their 19th win in 22 matches under his leadership.

Reaching three figures in just 42 deliveries with 14 boundaries—including six clearances over the ropes—Brook became only the third player representing England to register multiple centuries in this format, blending sheer boundary power with aggressive running between the wickets and capitalizing on lapses by the touring fielders.

England's comprehensive success was subsequently reinforced with the ball by Sonny Baker, who secured three dismissals to dismantle Sri Lanka's reply. The lopsided contest ensured the hosts took an early advantage in the series following their prior red-ball commitments against Pakistan.