Root backs Brook after ODI victory

JOE ROOT believes Harry Brook will do “wonderful things” as England captain.

- BY SCOTT HUNT, PA

Joe Root, left, says Harry Brook, right, will learn from his New Zealand controversy

Brook shared an 81-run stand with Root to help guide England towards a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Saturday, their first ODI win away from home in 12 matches.

The England skipper began this tour by apologising to his teammates and admitting he was lucky to still be captain after getting involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand during England’s last white-ball engagement in October.

News of that incident, where Brook said he was “clocked’, emerged following England's troubled Ashes tour.

Root wants Brook to be able to learn from the incident and believes it can help his growth as a leader.

“Harry's a great fella and he’s going to be an incredible captain and is someone who clearly feels bad about what happened,” Root said.

“He's apologised, he’s taken his punishment and he’s desperate to take this team forward.