Harry Brook is the best player in the world: Joe Root. (Source – Twitter/X)
Former England captain Joe Root lavished praises on teammate Harry Brook after the youngster hit back-to-back centuries against New Zealand in the ongoing Test series. The 25-year-old hit a triple century in the series against Pakistan earlier in the year and is in fantastic form, particularly away from home. So far, the Yorkshire-born has played 23 Test matches in his career, scoring 2280 runs at an average of 61.2, which is phenomenal, to say the least.
Brook’s performance in the longest format has prompted Root to call him the best player in the world. The veteran stated that he is awesome to watch and can absorb pressure in the middle. His shot-making ability makes him a dangerous batter for the opposition as Root highlighted Brook’s skill to play a scoop over the wicketkeeper’s head for a six.
“Brookie (Brook) is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute… He’s awesome to watch. He can absorb pressure, apply it, and play shots all around the wicket. Whether it’s whacking it for six or scooping over the head, he does it all with ease,” Root was quoted as saying by ESPN.
Also Read: Joe Root becomes first England batter to achieve 100 Fifty-plus scores in Tests
Root is one of the best players, if not the best player, to have ever played the game: Brook
Brook returned the compliment to Root but added that he is working on taking the number one tag off the cricketer. Notably, the star England batter had a phenomenal year in Test cricket, scoring 1470 runs in 16 matches at an average of 56.53. Meanwhile, even though Brook is willing to overtake Root in the rankings, he wants to keep his feet on the ground and is willing to work hard on his game to get better in all aspects.
“I’m trying to catch him (Root), but he’s too good, isn’t he?” Brook said, when asked if he fancied taking the No. 1 tag off Root. “[He] got another hundred this week. No, he’s obviously one of the best players, if not the best player, to have ever played the game. “I’ve only played 23 games, so them stats could soon come soaring down! So I’m just trying to keep on getting as good as I can and working hard in the nets and improving areas that are uncomfortable. Just keep on going really. You can always get better everywhere,” Brook said.