“Ship might have sailed” – Joe Root on T20I future

In a commanding display of experience and skill, Joe Root guided England to a decisive victory in the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka, securing the series win. The veteran batter, who registered yet another century in Asian conditions, anchored the innings after a sluggish start, building crucial partnerships with Jacob Bethell and captain Harry Brook. Speaking after the match, Root expressed satisfaction with how the team adapted to the surface, stating that they learned lessons from the previous games to rotate strike effectively and accelerate at the right moments.

Root reserved high praise for skipper Harry Brook, whose blistering knock and leadership were central to England's success. 

Root described Brook’s performance as a "joy to watch," highlighting the young captain's ability to access all areas of the ground and his calmness under pressure when Sri Lanka’s counter-attack began. "He didn't panic... he managed the game really well," Root observed, adding that Brook has gone a long way in "repainting the trust" of the group through his actions on the field and his composure as a leader.

Addressing questions about his own future in the shortest format, Root was pragmatic, admitting that the "ship might have sailed" regarding his return to England's T20 International side. 

However, he reaffirmed his love for the format and his intention to continue playing franchise cricket whenever opportunities arise. He spoke graciously about the current T20 squad’s depth, expressing excitement to watch them compete in the upcoming World Cup, while he supports them from "the other side of the screen."

The match also saw a standout performance from the opposition, with Sri Lankan youngster Pavan Rathnayaka scoring a maiden century. 

Root commended the young batter's technique against spin and his ability to construct an innings under pressure, predicting a bright future for him. Root concluded by emphasising the importance of the toss at the venue, stating that statistics heavily favored the team batting first, a strategy England executed to perfection to seal the series.

Meanwhile, speaking at the post-match press conference, Sri Lankan middle-order batter Pavan Rathnayaka revealed that the management had informed him during practice that he would be batting at number four. 

The milestone carried deep personal significance for the young cricketer. When asked about his family, an emotional Rathnayaka dedicated the century to his late father. "He would have been incredibly happy today," Rathnayaka said, acknowledging that his father was the shadow behind his success and that playing for the country was their shared dream.