Joe Root has leapt to the defense of England captain Harry Brook, saying his beer guzzler celebration during the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka was nothing more than light-hearted banter with his teammates. Brook scored a blistering hundred and remained unbeaten on 136 off 66 balls to help England win a total of 357 for three.
However, it was his celebration after reaching the milestone that caught the attention. Brook took off his gloves and smashed them like two beer canswhich many interpreted as his response to the whole nightclub brawl he was involved in. Root addressed the issue immediately after the game, saying it was actually a tribute to WWE icon Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was known for his beer celebrations in wrestling.
The star batsman said it was just Brook trying to get the group’s approval using humour. Root said he hopes the celebration is done the right way.
“I think you can tell by watching wrestling. I think his way of showing that he wants the group’s approval is through humor.”
“I think that’s another area of why he’s going to be a great leader because he has that side as well.
“I hope it’s taken the right way because there’s no malice behind it other than him trying to have a bit of a joke with his team-mates,” Root said.
What is the Brook nightclub controversy all about?
Brook was reportedly in danger of losing his leadership role in the white ball following an off-field incident in Wellington where he was allegedly punched by a nightclub bouncer after consuming alcohol on the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand.
The episode occurred on 1 November, the night before a match at Sky Stadium, during England’s pre-Ashes tour of New Zealand. Brook, who also serves as vice-captain of the Test team, was denied entry to the nightclub after security believed he was drunk. What began as a verbal disagreement escalated when Brook was hit by a bouncer, though he escaped unhurt.
Given the timing of the incident so close to the match, the matter was taken seriously. However, Brook ultimately retained his captaincy. He was given a final warning and fined around £30,000 – the highest sanction allowed under England’s central contract rules – which represents about four per cent of his annual income.
Brook apologized for the incident and admitted he feared losing England’s white-ball captain following the episode.
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Published on:
January 28, 2026
