Joe Root Defends Harry Brook's WWE-Inspired Celebration After Colombo Century
England cricket star Joe Root has come to the defense of teammate Harry Brook, stating that his WWE-inspired beer celebration during the third ODI against Sri Lanka in Colombo was intended with "no malice" and should be "received in the right way." This comes just weeks after Brook was involved in a drinking controversy during the Ashes tour to Australia.
The Celebration That Grabbed Eyeballs
After smashing a spectacular 57-ball century at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Harry Brook marked his achievement with a celebration that immediately went viral. He stripped off his batting gloves, clashed them together, and tilted them toward his mouth as if taking a drink. This was a clear nod to the iconic ring entrance of WWE legend "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who would catch beer cans, smash them together, and guzzle them down to the delight of crowds.
Brook confirmed post-match that it was indeed a tribute to Austin, saying: "It was just more about celebrating tonight with the boys. Like I said the other day in my press conference, I've got to try and gain that trust back with the lads and the way I wanted to do that was perform, play well and lead from the front."
Root's Support and Context
Former England captain Joe Root, who was at the crease with Brook during their unbroken 189-run partnership, emphasized that the celebration was about humor and team bonding. Root himself scored his 20th ODI century in the same match, which England won decisively.
"I think that's his way of doing that really," Root explained. "He's trying to show he wants that approval from the group, through humour. That's another area of why he's going to be a great leader, because he has that side to him as well. He's showed his calmness and his clarity under pressure, and he's also showed humour as well in doing that."
Root added: "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."
Background: The Recent Drinking Scandal
Brook's celebration takes on added significance given his recent off-field issues. The Test vice-captain was involved in an altercation on November 1, the night before an ODI during the New Zealand series, which England lost with Brook contributing only six runs. This was his first series abroad as captain.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) fined him 30,000 pounds and issued a final warning. However, since the incident occurred just before the Ashes, it only came to light more than two months later, after England had been outclassed by Australia.
Brook admitted to his mistake, telling BBC Sport: "I've made a terrible mistake. I've put myself in a situation which I shouldn't have done. I'm extremely sorry to all the supporters for what I did in New Zealand." He acknowledged that fans "have every right to be annoyed."
Performance Under Pressure
Despite the controversies, Brook's performance in Colombo was exceptional. Walking in to bat in the 32nd over, he played a rapid knock laced with nine sixes, helping England secure a series victory. This innings came after he had faced criticism during the Ashes for his dismissals and off-field behavior.
Root highlighted Brook's resilience, noting that the celebration was part of his effort to rebuild trust within the team. "He's trying to show he wants that approval from the group, through humour," Root reiterated, underscoring the positive intent behind the gesture.
As England moves forward, Brook's blend of explosive batting and charismatic leadership, tempered by lessons from past mistakes, will be crucial for the team's success in upcoming matches.
