Joe Root Breaks ODI Records With Century In Colombo

Joe Root once again etched his name into the cricket history books, delivering a masterclass in batting as England took on Sri Lanka in the third and deciding one-day international at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on January 27, 2026. The 35-year-old Yorkshireman was unflappable under the sweltering Sri Lankan sun, compiling an unbeaten 111 from 108 balls—his 20th century in One Day Internationals (ODIs)—and steering England to a formidable 357 for 3 in their 50 overs.

Root’s innings wasn’t just another notch in his already illustrious career; it was a record-breaking performance that made him the first English cricketer to reach 20 ODI centuries. He also became the first England batter to surpass 7,500 runs in ODIs, a testament to his consistency and class. For a man often regarded as England’s greatest batter, these achievements only add to his legend.

England’s start in Colombo was far from ideal. Early wickets left the visitors teetering at 19 for 1, then 40 for 2, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers threatened to spoil the party. But Root, batting at number three, was the anchor England desperately needed. He steadied the innings with a crucial 126-run partnership alongside Jacob Bethell, who contributed a solid 65. The pair’s composure under pressure helped England recover and set the stage for a late onslaught.

After Bethell’s departure, Root found another reliable partner in captain Harry Brook. Together, they unleashed a batting clinic, compiling a mammoth 191-run stand that propelled England to their imposing total. Brook was particularly explosive, hammering an unbeaten 136 from just 66 deliveries, including 11 fours and 9 sixes. The duo’s dominance left Sri Lanka’s bowlers searching for answers and the crowd in Colombo in awe.

Root’s century was a study in patience and precision. He reached the milestone on the second ball of the 45th over, nudging a single off Dunith Wellalage. His knock included nine boundaries and a solitary six, and his calm demeanor never wavered, even as the temperature soared and the pressure mounted. Notably, Root wore a helmet throughout his innings—an unusual sight for batters facing spin in such conditions. While some fans wondered why he didn’t opt for a cap, the answer lies in England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regulations, which mandate helmets for all England players in various formats. The rule, introduced to reduce the risk of head injuries, has become standard for English cricketers since the 2016 season, even when facing slower bowlers.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) only requires helmets against pace, but England’s stricter policy has become the norm in their domestic and international sides. All cricketers under 18 in England and Wales must also wear head protection, and while neck protectors are advised, they remain optional. Australia, in contrast, made neck protectors compulsory for batters facing fast or medium pace after the tragic death of Phillip Hughes in 2014.

Root’s century capped off a stellar series. He had already scored 61 and 75 in the first two ODIs, meaning he finished the three-match contest with three scores of fifty or more. His consistency has been a cornerstone of England’s success, and his 61 international hundreds now place him sixth on the all-time men’s list, behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, and Jacques Kallis.

But the accolades didn’t stop there. Root’s latest feat made him the 18th batter worldwide to notch at least 20 ODI centuries. Within England, his nearest challenger is Eoin Morgan, who retired with 13 ODI tons. Jason Roy and Marcus Trescothick have 12 each, while Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler have 11 apiece. Globally, Root joins a select group of players with 20 or more ODI centuries, including India’s Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, Australia’s Ricky Ponting and David Warner, and Pakistan’s Babar Azam, among others.

Even more impressively, Root is now the first English and only the eighth player in the world to score 20 or more centuries in both Test and ODI formats. His 41 Test hundreds put him in elite company with the likes of Tendulkar, Kohli, Ponting, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Kumar Sangakkara, and Warner. It’s a remarkable achievement, one that underscores his adaptability and enduring excellence across formats.

Despite his red-hot form, Root’s omission from England’s upcoming T20 squad for both the series against Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup next month has raised eyebrows. The selectors’ decision has been debated by pundits and fans alike, especially considering Root’s T20I record: an average of 35.72 and a strike rate of 126.30 between 2012 and 2019. Many believe he could still thrive in the shortest format, particularly now, in the prime of his career, with an expanded repertoire of shots. As one commentator put it, “It just seems foolish to leave the world’s best batsman, who is in remarkable form, at home when he could be helping England win an international tournament.”

England’s T20 World Cup squad boasts plenty of firepower, with Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell, and Harry Brook expected to lead the charge. All-rounders Sam Curran and Rehan Ahmed are set for key roles, while Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid bring experience and skill to the bowling attack. Still, the debate over Root’s exclusion lingers—could his experience and class have been the missing piece for England’s T20 ambitions?

For now, though, Root’s focus remains on the task at hand: leading by example in the ODI arena. His latest exploits have not only secured another series win for England but also set new benchmarks for future generations. As the sun set over Colombo, Root and Brook walked off unbeaten, their partnership the backbone of a dominant English performance and a reminder that, in cricket, records are made to be broken—especially when Joe Root is at the crease.

England’s commanding total leaves Sri Lanka with a mammoth chase ahead, and with the action ongoing, all eyes remain fixed on Colombo to see if more history will be made before the final ball is bowled.