Joe Root has expressed hope that Harry Brook’s eye-catching celebration following his match-winning century against Sri Lanka will be understood in the light-hearted spirit in which it was intended. The England captain believes the moment reflected Brook’s personality and desire to reconnect with his team-mates, rather than any attempt to court controversy.
Brook produced a sensational innings in Colombo, blasting a breathtaking 57-ball century that sealed a series victory for England. After reaching the landmark, the 27-year-old marked the occasion with an unusual celebration that quickly caught attention. Removing his batting gloves, Brook smashed them together before raising them to his mouth, mimicking a well-known routine made famous by former WWE star ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.
The celebration came just weeks after Brook had been embroiled in an off-field incident that threatened his captaincy. During England’s tour of New Zealand, Brook was involved in a late-night drinking episode in which he was reportedly struck by a bouncer just hours before he was due to lead the team in a match. The incident sparked internal discussions about his leadership role and behaviour.
As a result, Brook was handed a final warning by the England and Wales Cricket Board and fined the maximum possible amount of £30,000. While he narrowly avoided being removed as captain, the episode placed his professionalism and leadership credentials under intense scrutiny.
Against that backdrop, his celebration in Colombo inevitably raised eyebrows. However, Brook was quick to clarify that the gesture was intended as a tribute to Stone Cold Steve Austin and as a symbol of camaraderie rather than a reference to alcohol-related issues.
Speaking after the match, Brook explained that the moment was about enjoying success with his team and showing his commitment to earning back their confidence.
“It was really just about celebrating with the lads,” Brook said. “I’ve said before that I need to rebuild that trust within the group. The best way for me to do that is by performing on the field, playing well, and leading from the front.”
Joe Root, who was at the crease alongside Brook when the century was reached, backed his captain wholeheartedly. Root said he hoped observers would recognise the humour behind the celebration and not misinterpret its meaning.
“I think that’s just his way of expressing himself,” Root explained. “He wants to feel that approval from the group, and he uses humour to do that. It’s actually one of the reasons I think he’s going to be a very good leader.”
Root went on to praise Brook’s composure and clarity under pressure, highlighting how the young captain managed a tense match situation without losing focus.
“He’s shown calmness, he’s shown clarity, and he’s also shown that he has a sense of humour,” Root added. “Hopefully people see it for what it was, because there’s absolutely no malice behind it. It was just a joke shared with his team-mates.”
Brook’s innings itself was further evidence of his growing maturity. Sri Lanka made a blistering start with the ball, putting England under pressure early on. However, Brook resisted the urge to panic, instead trusting his game plan and playing with controlled aggression to turn the momentum back in England’s favour.
Root was particularly impressed by how Brook handled the moments when Sri Lanka fought back.
“It’s easy to look calm when everything is going your way,” Root said. “But when the opposition throws a few punches back, that’s when leadership really shows. He stayed calm, managed the situation brilliantly, and that’s why I believe he’s going to be an excellent white-ball captain.”
The incident also sparked comparisons with previous moments in English sporting history. Root acknowledged that Brook is not the first England figure to reference an alcohol-related disciplinary issue through celebration. He pointed to Paul Gascoigne’s iconic ‘dentist’s chair’ celebration after scoring against Scotland at Euro 1996, a moment that has since become part of English football folklore.
Such gestures, Root suggested, can sometimes act as a way for athletes to confront mistakes with humour while demonstrating growth and accountability.
“I think he’s been outstanding in every area,” Root said. “Over the course of these three games, you can see how much he’s grown. He’s learned from experiences, taken responsibility, and shown real leadership.”
According to Root, Brook’s efforts have already gone a long way toward restoring confidence within the squad.
“He’s definitely earned trust back in the dressing room,” Root concluded. “What matters most is how the group feels, and from what I’ve seen, the lads respect how he’s handled himself.”
As England look ahead to future white-ball challenges, Brook’s performance in Colombo may be remembered as a defining moment in his leadership journey. Not only did he deliver under pressure with the bat, but he also showed a willingness to embrace responsibility, learn from mistakes, and connect with his team in his own distinctive way.
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