Tom Banton marked the end of England's home international summer in spectacular fashion by scoring his first international century, guiding his team to a dominant 223-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval on Sunday. The resounding win secured the one-day international series for the hosts, capping off a transitional summer across formats that witnessed significant personnel and leadership changes.

Opening the batting after stepping into the lineup for the injured Jacob Bethell, Banton weathered difficult early conditions that troubled experienced teammates. While Joe Root labored to 18 runs from 37 balls, Banton displayed remarkable composure and a full array of aggressive strokes, reaching his maiden century in 95 deliveries. Upon achieving the milestone, the 27-year-old raised his arms to the sky, visibly relieved after a turbulent career path that saw him spend nearly five years away from the 50-over side following his 2019 debut.

Banton went on to compile 126 runs from 105 balls, featuring 16 boundaries and five sixes, while sharing a 150-run partnership with captain Harry Brook. Brook contributed 77 runs, and Jordan Cox, playing as a replacement for the injured Jos Buttler, added a rapid 76 from just 52 deliveries. Their combined efforts propelled England to a formidable total of 355 for seven in their allotted 50 overs.

Faced with a surface offering generous bounce for the pacemen and turn for the spinners, the Sri Lankan batting lineup folded completely. The visitors were dismissed for just 132 runs inside 29 overs, with Liam Dawson claiming three wickets for 26 runs. Kusal Mendis top-scored with 35 for Sri Lanka, but the team's lackluster performance in the field—which included dropped catches off both Root and Brook—helped seal a historic margin of defeat.

The victory brings the curtain down on a demanding summer for England that featured the conclusion of the aggressive Test strategy known as Bazball, Ben Stokes retiring from international duties, and Root making an unexpected return to the Test captaincy. Despite various off-field disruptions, England managed to secure their fifth consecutive series victory across formats. Banton now faces an uncertain place in the starting lineup as the team prepares to travel for a tri-series in Pakistan beginning in October.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.