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Harry Brook was in upbeat mood despite England’s forgettable tri-series in Pakistan after his side broke their duck in a dead rubber against Sri Lanka in Lahore .
England failed to defend 429 for four against Sri Lanka last Thursday, while Pakistan recovered from being 154 for nine to overhaul a 242-run target and a claim a famous win over Brook’s side on Sunday.
Attention has fallen squarely on the bowlers following three successive defeats but while Pakistan and Sri Lanka will contest Saturday’s final, Brook took heart that lessons had been learned on the trip ahead of next month’s white-ball tour of Australia.
Brook said at the presentation ceremony: “The lads have learned a hell of a lot from a couple of days ago, so it was an exceptional effort.
“We haven’t had the series that we’d have wanted, we obviously would like to be in the final.
“But the lads have taken a lot of confidence from it, despite being on the wrong side. We’re scoring runs and taking wickets, and we’ve got a lot of clarity in our roles despite the losses.”
Ben Duckett continued his love affair in Lahore, making it back-to-back centuries and three in four innings at the Gaddafi Stadium with a majestic 167 off 132 balls – his best one-day international score.
Duckett made century stands with Tom Banton and Brook after England’s white-ball captain elevated himself to number three, with Will Jacks, Jordan Cox and Sam Curran relegating Joe Root further.
Root did not bat in England’s imposing 386 for five but took the crucial wicket of Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis, who thumped his bat in frustration when he gloved down the leg-side for 89 off 71 balls.
Sri Lanka kept up with the scoring rate with Pavan Rathnayake registering his second century in eight days against England, following up his 130 in Rawalpindi with a fine 118 off 77 balls in Lahore.
However, wickets tumbled more frequently despite the evening dew and once Rathnayake perished to Liam Dawson – who impressed with four for 49 – Sri Lanka were soon all out for 331 to lose by 55 runs.
“There’s never a dead rubber playing for England,” Duckett said. “We go to Australia and that win will give us confidence because so many different people have put their hand up on this trip.
“We just haven’t got over the line in previous games but the guys have played some really good cricket.
“Tonight, the ball was skidding on and it was really tricky for the bowlers. For the guys to experience that and experience winning and getting over the line, we’ll definitely take that forward.”
As for his record at the Gaddafi Stadium, Duckett replied: “I love coming here. It’s just a good place to bat.
“I think the pitches suit me, they don’t bounce loads and they’re maybe a fraction slower but I imagine a lot of batters enjoy batting here.”
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