Root: Don't take Brook's 'Stone Cold’ celebration wrong way

Root was speaking after England captain Brook sealed the series against Sri Lanka with a match-winning century, celebrating the milestone by mimicking a famous WWE gesture.

Brook removed his gloves, clashed them together and pretended to drink from them, a move popularised by former wrestler ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin.

The celebration drew attention because Brook was recently involved in a late-night drinking incident in New Zealand, where he was struck by a bouncer on the eve of a match he was due to captain.

The episode nearly cost him the captaincy, but instead he received a final warning over his off-field conduct and was handed the maximum fine of £30,000.

After reaching his hundred in Colombo, a blistering 57-ball innings, Brook explained that the gesture was both a tribute to Austin and a nod to rebuilding trust within the team.

“It was really about celebrating with the boys,” Brook said. “I mentioned before that I need to earn the lads’ trust back, and the best way to do that is by performing, playing well and leading from the front.”

Root, who was at the crease with Brook at the time, said the celebration reflected Brook’s personality and leadership style.

“That’s his way of going about it,” Root said. “He’s using humour to show he wants the group’s approval. That side of him is one of the reasons he can be a great leader.

“He’s shown how calm and clear he is under pressure, and he’s also shown his sense of humour. Hopefully people see it the right way, there’s no bad intent in it at all, just a bit of fun with his team-mates.”

"Hopefully it's received in the right way because there's definitely no malice behind it, or anything other than trying to have a bit of a joke with his team-mates."