Harry Brook mocks controversy with Stone Cold Steve Austin-style 'beer bash' after Sri Lanka century

England captain Harry Brook celebrated his century in a memorable way during the third ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 27. After reaching the hundred, Brook imitated a “beer bash” made famous by former WWE star Stone Cold Steve Austin, and the video went viral.

The right-handed batter scored an unbeaten 136 from 66 balls, including 11 boundaries and nine sixes. He reached his century in just 57 balls for England. Brook brought up the hundred by hitting Jeffrey Vandersay for a four on the first ball of the 49th over and celebrated the milestone with an epic celebration.

Harry Brook Recreates Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Iconic ‘Beer Bash’ Celebration

After bringing up his century, Brook recreated former WWE superstar Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “beer bash” move. Brook took off both his gloves, lifted them up, and smashed his fists together to imitate the iconic celebration. The moment lit up the stadium and quickly went viral on social media.

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Harry Brook celebrating with what looks like a Stone Cold Steve Austin beer smash pic.twitter.com/cIEtJWynOq

— Cameron Ponsonby (@cameronponsonby) January 27, 2026

Brook reached his fifty from 40 balls and needed only 17 more deliveries to get to his century. Sri Lanka struggled to slow him down as Brook controlled the tempo of the innings. He allowed himself time to settle before accelerating, unlike in The Ashes, where he often attacked too early without getting set.

He’s Trying to Show He Wants… - Joe Root on Harry Brook’s Celebration

England batter Joe Root, who also scored a century, defended Harry Brook’s celebration. Root stated that anyone familiar with wrestling would understand the reference and added that Brook was simply using humour to connect with his teammates.

“Well I think you can work it out if you’ve ever watched wrestling. I think that’s his way of doing that really, he’s trying to show that he wants that approval from the group is through humour,” said Root.

“I think that’s another area of why he’s going to be a great leader is he has that side to him as well, as I mentioned earlier he’s showed his calmness and clarity under pressure, and he’s also showed humour. And hopefully it’s received in the right way because there’s definitely no malice behind it, or anything other than trying to have a bit of a joke with his team-mates.”

Joe Root says he hopes that Harry Brook's 'beer smash' celebration after reaching his century against Sri Lanka won't be taken the wrong way 🍺

Brook confirmed after the match that the celebration was a tribute to former WWE wrestler 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, and also an… pic.twitter.com/AQ20hdYTDe

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) January 27, 2026

Harry Brook’s Nightclub Incident Put Captaincy Under Threat

Harry Brook came under scrutiny after an off-field incident in New Zealand. He was fined and formally warned by the England and Wales Cricket Board following a clash with a nightclub bouncer the night before an ODI in New Zealand last October.

While he came close to losing the captaincy, the ECB issued a final warning and handed him a fine of £30,000 for his conduct. The episode occurred ahead of the Ashes and added to criticism of England’s behaviour off the field, with questions raised about a drinking culture within the squad.

England’s poor ODI results increased the pressure on Brook. That pressure has eased slightly after a come-from-behind series win in Sri Lanka, with Brook later admitting that the New Zealand incident nearly cost him his leadership role.

Also read: Travis Head appointed Australia captain ahead of T20 World Cup; Mitchell Marsh OUT