NEW DELHI: England bounced back in style against Sri Lanka in the second ODI in Colombo. On a tricky surface, they successfully chased down a target of 220 runs, with Joe Root leading the charge with the bat.
Harry Brook on the Pitch
Speaking at the post-match presentation, England captain Harry Brook expressed his frustration with the surface. He said the pitch was far from ideal and required quick adaptation.
“It’s nice to get a win away from home. On a tough surface, but we’re happy to get the victory. Probably the worst pitch I’ve ever played on and you had to go out there and adapt as quick as possible and just try and get off strike and get the other batter on strike,” Brook said.
Brook also praised the role of his senior batter in handling the conditions.
“He’s an awesome player. His ability to get off strike and put the bad ball away when they slightly miss is awesome. He’s a phenomenal player to have in our side,” he added.
Joe Root on the Conditions
Joe Root reflected on the difficulty of the surface but highlighted the team’s adjustments and learning from the previous match.
“Enjoy playing here. Nice to get the win on a very difficult surface. Just try to take the ball as late as possible. I don’t think that’s a great wicket for ODI cricket if I’m being brutally honest, but we found a way today and we adapted and learned from the mistakes we made in the first game with both the bat and ball and got across the line,” Root said.
Chasing 220, England were on top from the start, reaching 82 for 2 early. Joe Root was the backbone of the innings, scoring 75 runs off 90 deliveries, narrowly missing a century. Contributions from Harry Brook and Jos Buttler in the end ensured a comfortable seven-wicket win.
With the series still open, both teams now look forward to the final ODI, aiming to finish on a high and claim the series.
