Former England captain Ben Stokes has backed Harry Brook after the England white-ball captain smashed an unbeaten century against Sri Lanka in the first T20I in Southampton on Tuesday, September 15. Stokes praised Brook’s exceptional talent while calling the England skipper a superior talent to Kevin Pietersen.
Brook smashed 114* off just 49 balls as England secured a 119-run victory at the Rose Bowl. The right-handed batter became the first player from a full-member nation to score multiple T20I centuries as captain in a calendar year. He scored his maiden hundred against Pakistan at the T20 World Cup in February 2026.
Ben Stokes Calls Harry Brook a ‘Better’ Talent Than Kevin Pietersen
Ben Stokes took to social media to defend Brook against criticism over his recent lack of Test centuries and praise his exceptional talent. Stokes admitted that his comparison was harsh on Kevin Pietersen but stood by his opinion.
“I don’t even think the genius of KP could come close to what Harry Brook has talent-wise,” Stokes posted on X.
“Is it really that hard to just sit back and admire these players for what they are, on the good days and the bad days, and stop berating them for doing things that we would never, ever, ever even think of doing because we simply aren’t on their level to think that way?”
“You are an absolute freak, Harry. You’re mint to watch. Bit harsh on KP actually both are freak talents but Brook better IMO is my point,” Stokes concluded.
Pietersen recently joined England’s white-ball setup as a mentor and is expected to remain with the team until the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
I don’t even think the genius of KP could come close to what Harry Brook has talent-wise. Is it really that hard to just sit back and admire these players for what they are, on the good days and the bad days, and stop berating them for doing things that we would never, ever, ever even think of doing because we simply aren’t on their level to think that way? You are an absolute freak, Harry. You’re mint to watch. 🤌🔥
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) September 15, 2026
Harry Brook Smashes Historic Century in England’s 119-Run Win
Harry Brook produced a stunning display at the Rose Bowl, smashing 114* off 49 balls with 10 fours and six sixes. He also hit six boundaries in one over against Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage as England took control of the game.
The England captain added 128 runs off 60 balls with Jos Buttler, who smashed 80 off 44 deliveries. Brook then shared partnerships of 36 with Tom Banton and 59 with Will Jacks as England posted a massive 254/4.
Sri Lanka struggled to handle the target and were bowled out for 135 in 19 overs. England took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series following the 119-run victory.
Brook scored his first century in 18 international innings across formats since his hundred against Pakistan at the 2026 T20 World Cup. He also became the first player from a full-member nation to score multiple T20I centuries as captain in a calendar year.
Sonny Baker Shines as Harry Brook Calls England’s ‘Near-Perfect’ Performance
Sonny Baker impressed on his Hampshire home ground, claiming 3/12 from four overs. The fast bowler picked up his first white-ball international wickets and played a key role in restricting Sri Lanka to 135.
Brook was part of the England Test side that completed a 3-0 series whitewash against Pakistan. Despite the demanding schedule, the England captain was pleased with how his team switched between formats.
“An exceptional performance and I am proud of how the boys went about every aspect of the game tonight,” Brook said.
“It is not the ideal schedule but we managed to mentally prepare for this game and this series. I thought the performance tonight was near-perfect.”
England, ranked second in the T20I rankings, will look to build on their strong start when they face Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, September 17.
Also read: Stephen Fleming joins England T20I squad ahead of Test coaching stint
