Brook's blazing century sees England crush Sri Lanka amid Pietersen comparisons
Harry Brook smashed an unbeaten 114 as England thrashed Sri Lanka by 119 runs in the first T20 in Southampton, drawing comparisons to former star Kevin Pietersen.
England delivered a dominant 119-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Vitality T20 international in Southampton, with Harry Brook at the centre of the performance.
Brook blasted an unbeaten 114 off just 49 balls, hitting ten fours and six sixes, while sharing a 128-run partnership with Jos Buttler, who scored 80 from 44 balls. The pair powered England to 254-4 from their 20 overs. Sri Lanka were then bowled out for 135 in 19 overs, with young seamer Sonny Baker recording his best figures in an England shirt at 3-12.
Echoes of Pietersen
Brook's aggressive approach drew comparisons with former England batter Kevin Pietersen, who was recently appointed a mentor to the England side ahead of next year's World Cup. Former captain Ben Stokes, watching on television, wrote on social media that even Pietersen's genius could not match Brook's talent.
Brook said he had admired Pietersen's batting as a child, particularly his willingness to attack bowlers, noting the similarity in their approach. The two players have become among the most talked-about batters of their respective eras in English cricket.
Comparable records
At the age of 27, Brook's Test average stands at 53.08 compared with Pietersen's 49.55 at the same stage, though Pietersen had scored more centuries by that point. Pietersen holds an edge in one-day internationals, but Brook has now hit one more T20 century than Pietersen ever managed. Since being promoted to number three in England's T20 side earlier this year, Brook has averaged 95.20.
Former bowler Steven Finn suggested Brook may now be the best all-format batter in the world. Brook has also won 18 of his last 20 matches as England's T20 captain.
