No Malice in Brook’s WWE-Style Celebration, Says Joe Root Amid England’s Sri Lanka Series Victory

England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook drew both attention and questions for his exuberant “Stone Cold” WWE-inspired celebration after smashing a blistering century against Sri Lanka in the third and deciding ODI but teammate Joe Root was quick to clarify that there was no malice behind the gesture.

Brook’s remarkable innings, an unbeaten 136 off just 66 balls, including nine sixes and 11 fours was pivotal in England’s 53-run victory that secured a 2-1 series win in Colombo. The Yorkshire batter reached his century in only 57 deliveries and followed it up by removing his gloves and mimicking the iconic “beer smash” celebration made famous by WWE legend Stone Cold Steve Austin.

However, amidst the applause for his destructive batting, some observers questioned the appropriateness of such a flamboyant celebration, especially given Brook’s recent off-field controversy. The 26-year-old had earlier apologised and was fined after an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on England’s tour of New Zealand last year, an incident that sparked scrutiny over his conduct and leadership.

In response, Joe Root publicly came to Brook’s defence, underscoring that the celebration was intended in good humour. “There was definitely no malice behind it,” Root said, explaining that Brook’s tribute to the wrestling move was simply a way of celebrating with his teammates following a hard-fought victory. He added that the gesture reflected Brook’s personality and was meant to bond with the group rather than disrespect anyone.

Root’s defence carries weight given his stature as one of England’s most respected and experienced players. In the same match, Root himself contributed significantly with the bat, scoring an unbeaten century (111 not out), forming an unbeaten 191-run partnership with Brook that laid the foundation for a commanding total of 357-3.

This series win marked a significant milestone for England’s ODI setup, their first overseas series victory in three years and showcased the strong batting cohesion at the top of the order. Brook and Root’s contrasting styles Brook’s explosive power hitting paired with Root’s composed accumulation proved a potent combination that Sri Lanka struggled to contain.

The celebration also highlights a broader theme in modern international cricket: players increasingly express themselves openly on the field in ways that resonate with contemporary culture. Brook’s choice to mimic a wrestling celebration widely known and recognizable was part of this trend of blending sporting achievement with entertainment and personality.

Despite any controversy, Root’s remarks were clear: Brook’s actions were not intended to offend. “He’s trying to show he wants that approval from the group,” Root said, adding that humour and camaraderie are important elements of leadership. Root also pointed to Brook’s calmness under pressure and his ability to lead by example as key traits that could shape his future as England’s white-ball captain.

Looking ahead, England will now turn their focus to a three-match Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka as they continue preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Brook’s performance and celebration in the ODI series have already set a confident tone for England’s white-ball ambitions this season.