“To score a hundred for England is the best feeling on earth”: Tom Banton on his masterclass against Sri Lanka

Samira Vishwas

Tezzbuzz|28-09-2026

LONDON (AP) — Opener Tom Banton’s first international century paved the way for England to cap a turbulent summer of cricket with a series-clinching thrashing of Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Banton hit 126 in 105 balls to set his side on course for a huge 223-run win at The Oval, sealing a 2-1 victory in the one-day international series.

“To score a hundred for England is the best feeling on earth; I don’t think anything is going to beat it,” Banton said.

England won the series-opening ODI at Chester-Le-Street on Tuesday by 89 runs. Sri Lanka evened the series two days later in Leeds with a 16-run victory that made this season-ending clash a decider.

England finished on a high Sunday to conclude a campaign that will be otherwise remembered for Ben Stokes ’ shock retirement and Brendon McCullum’s removal as test head coach.

Banton scored 70 of the first 108 runs to outshine more experienced teammates, cementing his claims to be part of the new chapter of English cricket that is now unfolding.

The same is true of Jordan Cox, stepping in for the injured Jos Buttler, who saw England to an imposing total of 355-7 with a 52-ball knock of 76 in his first one-day appearance in two years. Captain Harry Brook, who won the toss and chose to bat, scored 77 in 66.

Sri Lanka slid to 132 all out with 20 overs unused after its dangerous top three folded, including captain Kusal Mendis (35). Banton played his role in that dismissal, catching Mendis off a delivery from pacer Gus Atkinson (2-26 in five overs).

England made three changes from its defeat at Headingley, with Cox replacing Jos Buttler while Liam Dawson and Sonny Baker came in for Josh Tongue and Rehan Ahmed.

Sri Lanka were unchanged.

Sri Lanka were unchanged.

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