Tom Banton’s maiden England hundred laid the foundations for a series-clinching 223-run win over Sri Lanka in the third one-day international on Sunday. Banton’s commanding 126 was the cornerstone of England’s imposing total of 355-7 at the Oval. It was his first century in 53 limited-overs appearances for England. Together with England captain Harry Brook, who made 77 after being dropped on seven, Banton shared a third-wicket partnership of 150. Sri Lanka never looked like chasing down a target of 356 and were dismissed for 132, with nearly 21 overs to spare.
England’s victory, which saw them take the three-match series 2-1, was also their record ODI win against Sri Lanka in terms of runs, surpassing their 128-run win at Perth in 1999.
“As a kid you dream of scoring a hundred for your country and to do it here was really special,” Banton said.
“It has been an eventful summer,” said McCullum, who was replaced as Test coach by Stephen Fleming. “We struggled with the batting and then we made some mistakes in the field, including me,” said Kusal.
It meant England ended a turbulent home season on a positive note after the international retirement of former Test captain Ben Stokes and the sacking of Brendon McCullum as their red-ball coach earlier in the campaign.
