Tom Banton century helps England thrash Sri Lanka to clinch series win
Banton hit an outstanding 126 to set his side on course for a 223-run win at the Kia Oval, sealing a 2-1 victory in the Metro Bank ODI Series.
Tom Banton’s first international century paved the way for England to cap off a turbulent summer with a series-clinching thrashing of Sri Lanka.
Banton hit an outstanding 126 to set his side on course for a 223-run win at the Kia Oval, sealing a 2-1 victory in the Metro Bank ODI Series.
After a setback at Headingley made this season-ending clash a decider, England finished on a high to conclude a campaign that will be otherwise remembered for Ben Stokes’ shock retirement and Brendon McCullum’s removal as Test head coach.
Banton’s coming-of-age knock, which saw him score 70 of the first 108 runs to outshine more experienced team-mates, cemented his claims to be part of the new chapter 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 for seven with breezy knock of 76 in his first one-day appearance in two years.
Sri Lanka made a mess of their chase, sliding to 132 all out with 20 overs unused after their dangerous top three folded.