SL vs ENG 2026: 'Can someone explain to me the definition of a bad wicket?' Angelo Mathews hits back at Harry Brook amid pitch controversy

England's white-ball captain, Harry Brook, has got the cricket fraternity buzzing since he criticised the pitch for the second ODI against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo last week.

After England registered a five-wicket win to square the series in spin-friendly conditions, Brook said it was the worst pitch he has ever played on. This sparked controversy in no time. Ahead of the third ODI on Tuesday, January 27, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka clearly mentioned that Brook's comments didn't strike a chord with him.

On Tuesday, former Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews also slammed Brook for his comments. He said that the grassy tracks that greet subcontinental teams when they travel overseas are referred to as "sporty" in nature. However, when the ball spins in the subcontinent, there are complaints about the pitch.

So the big talk about bad wickets! Can someone explain to me the definition of a bad wicket? When Asian countries play overseas and when the wicket has lots of grass,movement and seam it’s a “sporty” wicket but in the subcontinent when it turns it’s call terrible wickets?To me bad wickets are ones that takes off a good length and can harm the batters or dangerous to play on!" Mathews wrote.

Joe Root amasses 20th ODI ton in 3rd ODI

The legendary Joe Root smashed his 20th ODI century during the third game between England and Sri Lanka. He brought up the milestone in exactly 100 balls. This was the 61st international century for the talismanic batter.

England have reached 269/3 at the end of 45 overs, with Harry Brook and Root having forged a 103-run partnership off 83 balls. They will look to help England finish strongly in the back end of the innings.