Tom Banton described his first England century as “the best feeling on earth” – even though his mother played her part by staying away.
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 fiancée 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.”
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