London, Sept. 16 -- England legend and former cricketer Ben Stokes hailed Harry Brook following his magnificent century, remarking that not "even the genius of Kevin Pietersen could come close to what Brook has talent-wise".

Brook, the white-ball captain, continues to be a gift that keeps on giving, smashing an explosive 114* in 49 balls against Sri Lanka in the first T20I at Southampton on Tuesday.

Brook, who has faced some comparisons with the team's current specialist mentor and former batter Pietersen due to their aggressive style of play, left his former Test captain in awe of his batting, leading him to produce a bold Brook-Pietersen take.

Posting on X, Stokes called Brook "an absolute freak" and someone who is "mint to watch". ...