England crush Sri Lanka by 223 runs to seal ODI series 2-1 at Oval
England close home summer with statement win
England’s 2026 home season ended in style as Harry Brook lifted the ODI series trophy after a 223-run thrashing of Sri Lanka in the third ODI at The Oval. The victory sealed the three-match series 2-1 and capped an up-and-down English summer that finished on a high for the white-ball side.
"It was a near-perfect performance for the team and everyone chipped in," said victorious captain Harry Brook. "We had a few tough periods, but the guys did well. Cox played beautifully towards the end and we need to adapt to the conditions. Having many players in form is a good problem to have, as they have replacements for the players, and that is what builds a strong squad."
Bowling first after posting 355, England struck early through fringe seamer Sonny Baker, who removed Pathum Nissanka in his first over. Jofra Archer produced a direct hit run-out of Pavan Rathnayake with Jordan Cox clipping the bails, a dismissal that sparked a collapse as spinners raced through the middle order. Jamie Overton added a short spicy spell, and Will Jacks sealed the game with a brilliant catch off Joe Root to dismiss Eshan Malinga.
Banton maiden ton, Jacks Player of the Series
Tom Banton was named Player of the Match for his maiden ODI century, 126 off 105 balls. "As a kid I dreamt of scoring a century for my country, and now achieving that in front of friends and family as well feels special," Banton said, reflecting on a tough comeback after breaking into the national team. He added he is happy to bat wherever he is asked and credited behind-the-scenes chats with Kevin Pietersen.
Will Jacks was named Player of the Series for his all-round contribution: 123 runs at an average of 61.5 and 6 wickets at an economy of just 4.15. "As soon as I had the surgery, I worked towards my recovery, and I am happy to be back," Jacks said. "The pitches were spin-friendly, so it worked for me, but my role can be different for the series in Pakistan, and I will adapt to it."
Joe Root was named England’s Men’s ODI Player of the Summer for amassing 326 runs across the series against India and Sri Lanka. "It’s been a good series and we are moving in the right direction with the World Cup around the corner. I love where the team is heading and they are really confident," Root said.
Sri Lanka rue batting and fielding lapses
Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said the tourists played a couple of good games but struggled today. "We struggled with the bat, and there was some poor fielding as well. The middle order wasn’t at its best," Mendis said. On his spilled catch, he added: "Dunith Wellalage bowled really well and that missed catch gave Harry Brook a chance to kick on."
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 132 in 29.1 overs after conceding too many runs on a tricky surface. The visitors now travel to Pakistan for an ODI Tri-series starting 18 October, with a bilateral T20I series against Pakistan before that, while a separate Sri Lankan contingent contests an Asian Games quarter-final against Nepal on 29 September.
With Liam Dawson taking 3 wickets on his return to the series and Jordan Cox impressing in both bat and field, England will feel the competition for places is exactly what they need a year before the next ODI World Cup.