England captain Joe Root has said that Harry Brook's 'beer smash' celebration at the end of his match-winning century against Sri Lanka should not be frowned upon. The 27-year-old Brook, who had previously been involved in a late-night drinking scandal, celebrated by taking off his batting gloves, punching them together and then tipping them towards his mouth.
The move was a clear nod to former WWE wrestler 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's famous celebration, where he would hit two beers thrown at him with his bare hands before drinking them. Brook confirmed that the gesture was a tribute to Austin, as well as an attempt to win back the trust of his team-mates.
Root hopes that Brook's celebration will be received with humour and not taken out of context. "I think that's his way of doing that really," Root said. "He's trying to show he wants that approval from the group, through humour." The England captain believes that Brook has shown his calmness and clarity under pressure, as well as a sense of humour, which will make him an excellent leader in white-ball cricket.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time an England international has referenced an alcohol-related disciplinary issue in a celebration. Paul Gascoigne famously performed the 'dentist's chair' following his iconic goal against Scotland in Euro 1996.
Root praises Brook for his performance, saying that he has grown throughout the three games and managed to stay calm when the team was under pressure. "I think he's gone a long way to earning that trust back," Root said.
The move was a clear nod to former WWE wrestler 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin's famous celebration, where he would hit two beers thrown at him with his bare hands before drinking them. Brook confirmed that the gesture was a tribute to Austin, as well as an attempt to win back the trust of his team-mates.
Root hopes that Brook's celebration will be received with humour and not taken out of context. "I think that's his way of doing that really," Root said. "He's trying to show he wants that approval from the group, through humour." The England captain believes that Brook has shown his calmness and clarity under pressure, as well as a sense of humour, which will make him an excellent leader in white-ball cricket.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time an England international has referenced an alcohol-related disciplinary issue in a celebration. Paul Gascoigne famously performed the 'dentist's chair' following his iconic goal against Scotland in Euro 1996.
Root praises Brook for his performance, saying that he has grown throughout the three games and managed to stay calm when the team was under pressure. "I think he's gone a long way to earning that trust back," Root said.