Tom Banton’s maiden century for England was pivotal in securing a comprehensive 223-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third one-day international at the Oval on Sunday, clinching the three-match series 2-1. Banton’s commanding 126 runs anchored England’s imposing total of 355 for 7, marking his first hundred in 53 limited-overs appearances.

Batting alongside England captain Harry Brook, who contributed 77 runs after being reprieved early on, the pair put together a crucial third-wicket stand of 150 runs. Sri Lanka struggled to respond, ultimately being bowled out for 132 with nearly 21 overs remaining, unable to mount a serious challenge against the target of 356.

Reflecting on his innings, Banton described scoring his first international hundred as a special achievement after a challenging few years. “As a kid you dream of scoring a hundred for your country and to do it here was really special,” he said. Brook hailed the win as “exceptional” and commended the team’s near-perfect performance.

The victory marked England’s biggest winning margin by runs against Sri Lanka in an ODI, surpassing the 128-run win recorded in Perth in 1999. It also concluded a turbulent home season on a high note following the international retirement of former Test captain Ben Stokes and the midseason dismissal of red-ball coach Brendon McCullum. McCullum, who continues as England’s limited-overs coach, has overseen five consecutive series wins across formats, including T20 and ODI series victories over India and Sri Lanka.

“It has been an eventful summer,” McCullum commented, praising incoming Test coach Stephen Fleming as both a “great mate” and an outstanding coach.

Sri Lanka’s difficulties began early as opener Pathum Nissanka was caught behind off England’s fast bowler Sonny Baker in the second over. Gus Atkinson, who took two wickets, removed Kamindu Mendis (12) and Kusal Mendis (36), while spinner Liam Dawson’s figures of 3-26 helped stifle the visitors’ batting lineup.

Kusal Mendis admitted the visitors struggled with both their batting and fielding efforts. “We struggled with the batting and then we made some mistakes in the field, including me,” he said. “We played good cricket in the second ODI and when we go to Pakistan after this, we need to be better.”

England’s innings featured a notable reprieve when Brook edged Dunith Wellalage to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis early on but was dropped. Brook capitalized on the reprieve by scoring a rapid fifty off 49 balls.

Banton, building on his 73 in the previous match, entered the nineteenth over with flair, completing his century with an aggressive reverse-sweep six off leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage. His 105-ball innings included 16 fours and five sixes before he was dismissed at long-on off the same bowler. Jordan Cox contributed a steady 76 runs toward the close, struck off the penultimate ball of the innings.

England’s dominant all-round performance ultimately ensured Sri Lanka were unable to challenge, sealing the series and ending England’s summer campaign on a strong footing.