Joe Root Declares Harry Brook “Best Player in the World”

England team-mate Joe Root has asserted that Harry Brook is “by far and away the best player in the world.” The International Cricket Council (ICC) currently ranks Root, 33, as the number one batter globally, positioned one place ahead of Brook. Brook recently scored 123 runs during England’s victory over New Zealand in Wellington. This marked his second century of the series, following a triple-century he achieved during the tour of Pakistan. Root commented on Brook’s versatile playing style, 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.” He further elaborated on Brook’s hitting ability, adding, “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.” Root also contributed a century in Wellington, marking his 36th in Test cricket. Only four other players in the sport’s history have achieved more centuries. During the Pakistan tour, Root established himself as England’s all-time leading run-scorer. Despite Root’s achievements, the initial phase of Brook’s career has surpassed that of his fellow Yorkshire player. The 25-year-old has accumulated 2,280 runs across his 23 Test matches, a record unmatched by any other England player after the same number of games. Brook’s batting average stands at 61.62, which is the third highest in the history of cricket for batters who have played at least 20 innings. He trails only Sir Don Bradman and fellow Australian Adam Voges in this regard. Root has frequently been included in the ‘Fab Four’ of Test batting, alongside Australia’s Steve Smith, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, and India’s Virat Kohli. Brook, however, is identified as part of a newer generation of prolific run-scorers, which includes India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sri Lankan Kamindu Mendis, and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra. Root reiterated his assessment, stating, “Brookie is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute.” Regarding Root, Brook remarked, “I’m trying to catch him, but he’s too good, isn’t he? He’s obviously one of the best players, if not the best players, to have ever played the game. It’s mega to play with him and he’s awesome to watch.” England secured the series victory with a 323-run win in Wellington. This achievement marks their first away series win in two years and their first in New Zealand since 2008. Brook was absent from the field when England finalized their victory on Sunday, due to an ankle injury he sustained while playing football. He is not expected to be a doubt for the series’ final Test in Hamilton, scheduled for Saturday (22:00 GMT, Friday). New Zealand has announced a squad alteration, with opener Devon Conway withdrawing due to the impending birth of his first child. Will Young is anticipated to replace him in the team, and Mark Chapman has been added to the squad.