England captain Harry Brook on 27 January at Colombo’s R. Celebrated his century in a memorable manner during the 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium. After reaching the century, Brook imitated the “Beer Bash” made famous by former WWE star Stone Cold Steve Austin and the video went viral.
The right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 136 runs in 66 balls, which included 11 fours and nine sixes. He completed his century for England in just 57 balls. Brook completed his century by hitting a four off Jeffrey Vandersay on the first ball of the 49th over and had a grand celebration of the milestone.
Harry Brook recreates Stone Cold Steve Austin’s iconic ‘Beer Bash’ celebration
After completing her century, Brooke recreated former WWE Superstar Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “Beer Bash” move. Brook took off both of his gloves, raised them up and smashed his fists together to mimic the iconic celebration. The moment lit up the stadium and quickly went viral on social media.
Harry Brook is celebrating with what looks like a Stone Cold Steve Austin Beer Smash pic.twitter.com/cIEtJWynOq
– Cameron Ponsonby (@cameronponsonby) 27 January 2026
Brook completed his half-century in 40 balls and needed only 17 more balls to complete his century. Sri Lanka struggled to slow him down as Brook controlled the pace of the innings. He gave himself time to settle before increasing the pace, unlike in the Ashes, where he often attacked too early without settling down.
He’s trying to show what he wants… – Joe Root on Harry Brook’s celebration
England batsman Joe Root, who also scored a century, defended Harry Brook’s celebration. Root said that anyone familiar with wrestling would understand the reference and added that Brook was simply using humor to connect with his teammates.
“Well, I think if you’ve ever watched wrestling you can work on this. I think that’s really his way of doing it, he’s trying to show that he wants that approval from the group through humor,” Root said.
“I think that’s another area of why he’s going to be a great leader, is he has that side to him as well, as I mentioned earlier he’s shown his calmness and clarity under pressure, and he’s shown humor as well. And hopefully that will be received in the right way because there’s certainly no malice behind it, or anything other than trying to joke around with his teammates.”
Joe Root says he hopes Harry Brook’s ‘beer smash’ celebration after completing his century against Sri Lanka is not taken the wrong way.
Brooke confirmed after the match that the celebration was a tribute to former WWE wrestler ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, and a… pic.twitter.com/AQ20hdYTDe
– Test Match Special (@bbctms) 27 January 2026
Harry Brook’s nightclub incident puts captaincy in danger
Harry Brook has come under investigation after an off-field incident in New Zealand. He was fined and formally warned by the England and Wales Cricket Board after he clashed with a nightclub bouncer the night before an ODI in New Zealand last October.
As he came close to losing the captaincy, the ECB issued a final warning and fined him £30,000 for his conduct. The episode occurred before the Ashes and led to criticism of England’s behavior off the field, as well as questions over the drinking culture within the team.
England’s poor ODI results increased the pressure on Brook. The win has eased some of the pressure after coming from behind in the series in Sri Lanka, with Brook later admitting that the New Zealand incident almost cost him his leadership role.
Also read: Travis Head becomes captain of Australia before T20 World Cup; Mitchell Marsh out
