England batter Joe Root has hailed his team-mate Harry Brook as the best batter in the world. The praise comes after Harry Brook’s stellar performance in the second test of the England tour of New Zealand 2024 where he scored 123 runs in their first innings.
Eventually, the match concluded with England securing the series with a 323-run victory. After the team struggled with 43/4 in the first morning, his knock rescued the side and went on to smash a century.
Playing only 23 tests, he has already smashed eight centuries and a batting average of 61.62.
While speaking in the media, Root said, “If you asked me, Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute.”
“He has such an all-round game: he can absorb pressure, he can apply it, he can whack you over your head for six, he can scoop you over his head for six, he can smack spin, he can smack seam. He’s so hard to bowl to.”
Root’s comments follow those of England captain Ben Stokes, who termed Brook ‘phenomenal’.
“From 40-odd for four on day one, to be sat here on the winning side halfway through day three, is pretty special,” Stokes said.
“In cricket terms, that pitch was what we call a snake pit… it was doing plenty. Brooky is just phenomenal. No-one has a right to go out and score 120 on that wicket, against the attack that New Zealand have.”
“There are only a few players in the world who could go out and play like he did and I’m glad he’s in our team.”
Harry Brook’s century arrives after a century in Christchurch and a triple century in Multan, has propelled him to second place in the ICC test bat rankings.
Joe Root who hit his 36th test hundred at the Basin Reserve, drawing level with the legendary Rahul Dravid for the fifth position in all-time test hundred list.
It was Root’s 19th test hundre since the start of 2021, which is more than 10 of the best in Kane Williamson.
Brook has an stunning batting record with an average of 91.50 in Tests away from home. He has, however, yet to play in Australia or India.
“I’m trying to catch him, but he’s too good, isn’t he?” Brook said of Root. “He’s got another hundred this week and he’s obviously one of the best players, if not the best player, to have ever played the game.”
“It’s mega to play with him and he’s awesome to watch. I’ve only played 22 or 23 games, so those stats can soon come soaring down. I’m just trying to keep on getting as good as I can, working hard in the nets and improving areas that are uncomfortable. You can always get better.”
England has won the New Zealand test series 2-0 and is aiming for a cleansweep with the third test beginning on December 14 at Seddon Park.
