Tom Banton reflects on ‘best feeling on earth’ after his first England century

Banton’s superb 126 from 105 balls was the headline performance in a thumping 223-run win over Sri Lanka, as the hosts wrapped their international summer with a 2-1 success in the Metro Bank ODI Series.

The Somerset batter’s coming-of-age knock has been a long time coming. He first pulled on an England shirt in 2019 but endured a lengthy spell in the wilderness after his form nosedived.

Handed a second chance last summer, he has gradually found his feet in the set-up and finally took his turn in the spotlight with a match-winning knock at the Kia Oval.

His parents Jayne and Colin were not in the stands to watch him soak up the acclaim but the 27-year-old revealed that was not entirely by accident.

“My fiancee Lily was here, and all of her family. Unfortunately my mum, dad and brother were not here because whenever my Mum comes I don’t seem to go that well!” he explained.

“Bless her…she’s not banned but I think avoids coming now. It would have been awesome if they were here, but unfortunately they weren’t.

“To score a hundred for England is the best feeling on earth, I don’t think anything is going to beat it.

“To finally get over the line was a feeling I couldn’t really explain to anyone. It’s been an amazing day.”

Banton’s crowning moment came in his 53rd appearance in the Three Lions, 43 of which have come in T20s, and would not have happened without Jacob Bethell’s knee injury creating a temporary vacancy at opener.

“I’m sure there were times when you’re sat there in your room thinking ‘will the chance ever come again’,” he said.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to Brooky and Baz (Harry Brook and Brendon McCullum) for giving me an opportunity again.”

Banton’s contribution, combined with an eye-catching 76 from Jordan Cox in his first one-dayer for almost two years, gave England plenty of cause for optimism about their bench strength.

Despite missing first-choice players Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, Sam Curran and Bethell through injury, they turned in one of their most emphatic performances of the year. As well as piling 355 for seven, they were ruthless with the ball as they floored the tourists for 132 in less than 30 overs, including three wickets for Liam Dawson.

“I thought that was a near-perfect performance there,” said captain Harry Brook, who made 77.

“I thought everyone chipped in and it was an exceptional win. There were some tough periods but I thought the patience we showed was exceptional. That is the side we want to be: we want to win when they are not in our favour and when they are. We want to nail sides.

“We are building towards a squad where someone can come into a role and fill it exceptionally well. We are building a strong squad and I have full trust in anyone who comes in.”