The Colombo pitch once again became the biggest talking point in the Sri Lanka-England ODI series, with Harry Brook’s comments drawing a strong reaction from Angelo Mathews. The surface used for the second ODI was dry, broken and clearly designed to aid spin.
As the match progressed, the ball became grippier, spun faster and became more difficult to stroke. England struggled with the bat, with only Joe Root managing a half-century, as Sri Lanka’s spinners dictated the pace. Sri Lanka had already taken the lead in the series with a 19-run win in the first ODI at the same venue – R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Harry Brook’s pitch criticism raises eyebrows
Despite England returning to level the ongoing three-match ODI series with a five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in Colombo, Brook’s harsh criticism of the pitch raised eyebrows.
The England captain said in the post-match press conference, “It’s good to get a win away from home. On a tough surface, but we’re happy to get the win. It’s probably the worst pitch I’ve ever played on, and you’ve got to go out there and adapt as quickly as you can and just try to get out of the strike and get the other batsman on strike.”
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His comments did not go down well, especially given the long-running debate over how pitches in the subcontinent are rated compared to seaming pitches overseas.
Harry Brook sparks new pitch debate in ODI series decider
With the series tied at 1-1, both teams went to R. The third and final ODI at the Premadasa Stadium took place on the same track that was used for the first ODI.
This time, the pitch has been carefully prepared but cracks and dry patches are still visible, indicating slow conditions and plenty of spin. And Brook could not control his emotions and added fuel to the fire by attacking the Colombo pitch once again.
Harry Brook said at the toss on Tuesday, 27 January: “We would like a good pitch, but I don’t think it will be a good pitch, so we will have to adapt. (What he thinks is a good pitch) High scoring, with the ball flying around. (No turn?) Yes… Our spinners will have to adapt to the conditions, and so will our batsmen, and we will try to get a good score.”
A pitched battle breaks out in Colombo as Angelo Mathews hits back at Harry Brook
Following the English batsman’s latest attack on the Colombo surface, former Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews reacted strongly and advocated double standards. He noted how turning pitches are often labeled poor, while green and seam-friendly surfaces are praised as challenging and fair.
Taking a dig at Harry Brook, the former all-rounder also clarified that really bad pitches are those that are unsafe, unpredictable or dangerous, and not those that merely test technique.
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Angelo Mathews posted, It’s dangerous!”
So big discussion about bad wickets! Can anyone explain to me the definition of a bad wicket? When Asian countries play abroad and there is a lot of grass, movement and seams on the wicket it is a “sporty” wicket, but in the subcontinent when there is turn it is called a terrible wicket? For me…
– Angelo Matthews (@Angelo69Matthews) 27 January 2026