England embrace spin to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets

This victory was all the more satisfying because they adapted to the conditions, playing spin-dominant Sri Lanka at their own game.

This was the first time in ODI history that England had employed six spin-bowling options, and only the fifth time by a non-Asian side in ODI history.

An improved performance came after a sobering few days for the team in more ways than one. Alongside the players’ new midnight curfew, there have been reality checks provided by fans in Colombo.

Brook claims not to have read all the criticism that comes his team’s way, but he was within earshot when “choice words” were aimed at the players by the team’s travelling support immediately after Thursday’s opening ODI defeat.

Such scenes would barely be of note in football but it has to be bad before the cricket team’s loyal Barmy Army start moaning. “You’re not fit to wear the badge,” were among the shouts.

Now, they know exactly how badly performances – both on the field and off it – have gone down. A response was needed.

Root had helped settle nerves, with another masterly innings, this time showing off his ability to play spin while building a 68-run, second-wicket partnership with Ben Duckett that laid the foundations for victory.