Match Summary
- England: 355-7 (50 overs)
- Sri Lanka: 132 all out (29.1 overs)
- Result: England won by 223 runs
- Series Status: England win the series 2-1
Tom Banton realized his potential by striking a brilliant first international century, guiding England to a decisive win in the final one-day international against Sri Lanka at The Oval. The 27-year-old, who first broke onto the scene in 2019, overcame a difficult period in his career to produce a dominant innings of 126 runs from 105 deliveries, featuring 16 fours and five sixes. The 27-year-old right-hander was once the rising star of English cricket when handed a debut in 2019 but afterwards fell out of love with the game after losing his way. He stood with arms wide and looked to the sky – all of that disappointment seemingly behind him, after reaching his hundred in 95 balls in the third one-day international at The Oval. Bless her, she is not banned from coming, but she avoids coming now. To score a hundred for England is just the best feeling on earth,” Banton said. “I don’t think anything is going to beat it.
Reflecting on the milestone, Banton expressed that scoring a century for his country felt like the pinnacle of his career. He dedicated the performance to his fiance, Lilly, and her family, who were present at the ground. He jokingly noted that his parents and brother tend to stay away because he has historically struggled to perform when they attend matches. My mum, dad and brother weren’t here because whenever my mum seems to come I don’t do that well, unfortunately.
Banton’s innings was instrumental in helping England recover from the early loss of Ben Duckett. While Joe Root faced a difficult period, scoring 18 runs from 37 balls, Banton remained composed. He shared a 150-run partnership with captain Harry Brook, who contributed 77, and benefited from some sloppy fielding by the Sri Lankans, who dropped several opportunities. Perfectly countering tricky early conditions – conditions in which Joe Root struggled uncharacteristically for 18 from 37 balls – and going on to share an increasingly aggressive stand of 150 in 117 balls with captain Harry Brook, the opener went on to make 126 from 105 deliveries.
Jordan Cox, stepping in for the injured Jos Buttler, further bolstered the total with a quick 76 off 52 balls, lifting England to a formidable 355-7. The pitch offered enough bounce and turn to challenge the visitors, and Sri Lanka struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately collapsing to 132 all out in less than 30 overs. That always appeared a match-winning total on a surface offering bounce for the pace bowlers and turn for the spinners.
Sonny Baker provided the initial breakthrough for England by removing Pathum Nissanka in the second over. Spinner Liam Dawson, brought into the side ahead of Rehan Ahmed, proved clinical by taking 3-26. This victory marks England’s fifth successive series win across all formats, a notable achievement following a summer of significant transitions, including Ben Stokes’ retirement and the conclusion of the Bazball era. Sri Lanka 132 (29.1 overs): Kusal 35; Dawson 3-26.
Despite his stellar showing, Banton’s future in the XI remains uncertain as England prepares for an upcoming tri-series in Pakistan, which also features Sri Lanka, starting on 20 October. Having initially been included in the side due to Jacob Bethell’s injury, Banton now faces competition to retain his spot.
This performance represents a significant turnaround for Banton, who had previously been the subject of criticism from mentor Kevin Pietersen. Comparisons to Pietersen, which the young batter has historically struggled with, were revived by his innovative shot-making during this innings. As he walked off the pitch to a standing ovation, it served as a symbolic moment of redemption for a player once considered the brightest prospect in English cricket.
