‘Really that hard?’: Stokes fires off at critics, makes ‘harsh’ KP claim after England star’s T20 blitz - Fox Sports

England captain Harry Brook’s blistering unbeaten century paved the way for a 119-run thrashing of Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international at Southampton on Tuesday. Brook’s 114 not out and a typically dashing 80 from former captain Jos Buttler powered England to a commanding total of 254-4. Watch Sri Lanka’s Tour of England Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. Faced with a huge chase, Sri Lanka were never in the hunt before being bowled out for 135 as England, second in the T20 world rankings, went 1-0 up in a three-match series. Buttler and Brook shared a stand of 128 off just 60 balls following the loss of debutant opener Aneurin Donald after Sri Lanka won the toss. England’s second-wicket pair again ran riot at Hampshire’s headquarters after their mammoth partnership of 233 in a 56-run T20 win over India in July, when Buttler made 131 and Brook 95 not out. On Tuesday, it was Brook who posted a century, his second in T20 internationals coming off just 42 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. AUS v ZIM: Record-breaking ton as WC hopefuls stake claims... and worrying Head trend emerges Harry Brook of England leaves the field after his century during the 1st Vitality IT20 between England and Sri Lanka at Utilita Bowl on September 15, 2026 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images Getty Images Only Phil Salt, with a 39-ball century against the West Indies at Old Trafford last year, has scored a quicker T20 hundred for England. This match was England’s first since former captain Kevin Pietersen, an outstanding batsman in his own right, joined a white-ball coaching set-up still led by sacked Test boss Brendon McCullum as a “special mentor”. And Pietersen would have admired the way Brook smashed six boundaries off left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage in a fifth over costing 30 runs. Harry Brook takes 30 off the 5th over 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Rd3gdTWGze— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 15, 2026 But Pietersen may have been less impressed with former England captain Ben Stokes taking to social media to declare that not even “the genius of KP could come close to what Harry Brook has talent-wise”. Stokes then proceeded to fire a shot at Brook’s detractors - who have called out the England white-ball skipper’s knack for throwing his wicket away at Test level, having not scored a century in their last 11 Tests, dating back more than a year. “Is it really that hard to just sit back and admire these players for what they are, on the good days and the bad days, and stop berating them for doing things that we would never, ever, ever even think of doing because we simply aren’t on their level to think that way?” Stokes continued. “You are an absolute freak, Harry. “You’re mint to watch.” READ MORE: They thrashed the ‘worst team in 50 years’... now ‘chaos’ Poms believe the Aussies are next I don’t even think the genius of KP could come close to what Harry Brook has talent-wise. Is it really that hard to just sit back and admire these players for what they are, on the good days and the bad days, and stop berating them for doing things that we would never, ever,…— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) September 15, 2026 Bit harsh on KP actually 🤣🤣 both are freak talents but Brook better IMO is my point https://t.co/P6HjzwrmIJ— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) September 15, 2026 Dushmantha Chameera and Wellalage’s combined seven overs went for 104 runs in total as Sri Lanka’s attack wilted under England’s assault. Sri Lanka lost danger man Pathum Nissanka early in their chase when he tried to launch off-spinner Will Jacks over mid-on only to be caught by the towering Jamie Overton. Sonny Baker, on his Hampshire home ground, then took his first wickets in white-ball internationals, clean bowling Kamil Mishara before Lahiru Udara was caught off a scoop to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 32-3. Fast bowler Baker finished with 3-12 in his four overs. “An exceptional performance and I am proud of how the boys went about every aspect of the game tonight,” said Brook, who just days earlier was a member of the England Test side that completed a 3-0 whitewash of Pakistan. “It is not the ideal schedule but we managed to mentally prepare for this game and this series,” said Brook, adding: “I thought the performance tonight was near-perfect.” Simply sensational from Harry Brook 🔥 Watch all of his boundaries this evening ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/SuOIAwKFiv— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 15, 2026 Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, who won the toss and fielded, made no attempt to hide from a “tough day out here for us”. “Credit to Harry Brook and Jos Buttler for their exceptional innings,” he said. “At the same time, I don’t think we pulled off our plans and execution.” The second T20 is in Cardiff on Thursday, with the series finale at Old Trafford on Saturday