England captain Harry Brook voiced his criticism for the Colombo pitch following the side's five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI. The track was nothing short of a paradise for the spinners as they totally dominated over the opposing batters in both the innings. While England used six different spin options, Sri Lanka didn't lag far behind and used five.
Brook labelled the surface as the "worst" that he has ever played on and highlighted how tough it was to bat on it. He remarked that the batters had to adapt right away and get off strike as soon as possible.
"It's nice to get a win away from home and on a tough surface. We're happy to get the victory. The pitch is probably the worst pitch I've ever played on. You had to go out there and adapt as quick as possible, and just try to get off strike and get the other batter on strike," Brook said after the match.
Joe Root proved to be England's star performer during the match as not only did he pick up two wickets, but also played a match-winning knock of 75. The visitors first bowled out the opposition for 219 and then went on to chase down the target with 22 deliveries left to spare. Brook showered praise on Root following the victory and said that it is great to have a player like him in their team.
"His ability to be able to get off strike, and put the bad ball away when they slightly miss, is awesome. He's a phenomenal player to have in our side," Brook stated..
Root also criticises the surface
Meanwhile, Root also wasn't a big fan of the pitch at the R. Premadasa stadium and felt that it wasn't a suitable track especially for ODIs.
"I don't think that's a great wicket for ODI cricket, if I'm being brutally honest," Root said after England's victory.
Series to be decided in the final match
On the other hand, the three-match ODI series between Sri Lanka and England is now level at 1-1. The series will be decided in the third and final ODI that will be held on January 27 at the same venue in Colombo. Following the conclusion of this assignment, the two teams will face-off in a three-match T20I series as well that will begin from January 30.