Brook's brutal century as England crush Sri Lanka in first T20
Harry Brook scored an unbeaten century to lead England to a 119-run win over Sri Lanka in the first T20, drawing comparisons to former star Kevin Pietersen.
England produced a dominant performance in the first Vitality T20 against Sri Lanka in Southampton, with Harry Brook smashing an unbeaten 114 off just 49 balls to guide his side to 254-4 from 20 overs.
Brook's innings featured 10 fours and six sixes, delivered with an intensity that drew immediate comparisons to former England batter Kevin Pietersen, who was recently named as a surprise mentor to the squad ahead of next year's World Cup. Brook shared a 128-run partnership with Jos Buttler, who also impressed with 80 runs off 44 balls, after debutant Aneurin Donald had contributed 12.
Chasing 255, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 135 in 19 overs, with young seamer Sonny Baker recording his best figures for England, taking 3-12 in four overs. England won the match by 119 runs.
Echoes of Pietersen
Former England captain Ben Stokes, watching from home, said on social media that Brook's talent might even surpass that of Pietersen, calling him "an absolute freak." Brook himself acknowledged admiring Pietersen's aggressive style growing up, noting similarities in how both batters read the length of a delivery to attack bowlers, including spinners in good areas.
Since being promoted to number three in England's T20 line-up earlier this year at the World Cup, Brook has averaged 95.20 at a strike rate of 200.84, having scored 288 runs in the format without being dismissed since his last out. Former England bowler Steven Finn suggested Brook may now be considered among the best all-format batters in the world, alongside players like Australia's Travis Head and India's Shubman Gill.
As England captain, Brook has won 18 of his last 20 T20 matches, a record that stands in contrast to Pietersen's brief five-month spell as captain during his own career.
