In a remarkable display of prowess on the cricket field, Joe Root, the former England captain, lavished praise on Harry Brook following the latter’s phenomenal performance that contributed to England’s resounding 323-run victory over New Zealand in Wellington. Following this match, Root was unequivocal in his admiration, labeling Brook as “by far and away” the best cricketer in the world after Brook achieved an impressive century. With his remarkable skills, Brook managed to score a magnificent 123 runs in England’s first innings, complementing those with a solid half-century in the second. This performance further consolidated his status as a crucial player for the England cricket team.
Brook, just 25 years of age, currently boasts an exceptional Test batting average of 61.62, sitting second only to Root, who holds the top position in the ICC Test batting rankings. Root highlighted Brook’s versatility and ability to cope with pressure, stating, “To be able to construct an innings like that off the back of another exceptional hundred the week before, with such an all-round game – he can absorb pressure, he can apply it.” Root went on to describe the array of shots Brook possesses, asserting that he can hit the ball over the bowler’s head or send it flying in different directions against both spin and seam bowling. Root’s enthusiastic endorsement indicates that Brook is arguably the finest player in current cricket, given his consistent performances.
In his brief yet impactful Test career, Brook has already amassed a total of 2,280 runs across 23 matches – an astounding achievement that leads all players after the same number of appearances. Nevertheless, Brook maintains a sense of humility regarding his achievements. He respects Root and admits that the former captain remains the standard to aspire to: “I’m trying to catch him, but he’s too good, isn’t he?” said Brook, acknowledging Root’s exceptional talent and contribution to the sport.
Captain Ben Stokes also chimed in with his commendations for Harry Brook post-match, emphasizing just how exceptional Brook’s performance was, especially on a challenging wicket against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack. “Brooky is just phenomenal,” Stokes stated, praising the young cricketer’s capabilities and skill. Stokes noted that very few players in the world could rival Brook’s audacious batting style in such demanding conditions, thus reaffirming Brook’s vital role within the England squad.
Further applause came from cricket legends Phil Tufnell and Sir Alastair Cook, both of whom recognized Brook’s extraordinary talent during a discussion on TNT Sports’ “The Edge.” Tufnell pointed out that Brook possesses the unique ability to hit even the best deliveries for six, making it arduous for bowlers to apply pressure. He described Brook as a “genius at the moment,” underscoring his exceptional form and how difficult it is to dismiss him. Cook echoed these sentiments, revealing that even the New Zealand captain, Tom Latham, conceded that Brook’s batting had been simply too good to handle. Cook emphasized the challenge captains face when contending with a player of Brook’s caliber, who often deviates from planned bowling strategies to create his own plays.
Unfortunately, Harry Brook suffered an ankle injury, which left him sidelined on the final day in Wellington. However, the cricketing world anticipates his return to fitness before the third Test in Hamilton, scheduled to begin at 22:00 UK time on Friday. Fans can look forward to witnessing Brook perform live on TNT Sports and discovery+, as he continues to demonstrate the talent and skill that have earned him accolades from teammates and opponents alike. As the series progresses, his contributions will likely play a pivotal role in shaping England’s fortunes in international cricket.
