Joe Root calls Harry Brook the world's best batter.© (@mufaddal_vohra )
Joe Root has hailed his England teammate Harry Brook as “by far and away the best player in the world” following another exceptional performance. Brook scored a magnificent 123 runs in England’s dominant win over New Zealand in Wellington, marking his second century of the series after a triple-century earlier on the tour of Pakistan. Root praised Brook’s all-around batting skills, highlighting his ability to handle pressure and attack bowlers easily. According to Root, Brook’s game is versatile, capable of striking sixes against spin and seam bowling with impressive power and precision.
At just 25 years old, Brook has already broken records. With 2,280 runs in just 23 Test matches, no England player has achieved more at the same career stage. Brook’s average of 61.62 ranks the third highest in history for batters who have played at least 20 innings, trailing only Sir Don Bradman and Adam Voges. His performances have drawn comparisons to a new generation of rising stars, including India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.
While Root continues to shine—scoring his 36th Test century in the Wellington match—he believes Brook’s form is unmatched. Joe Root, ranked as the world’s number-one batter by the ICC, described Brook as a player who has taken batting to another level. In return, Brook admired Root, calling him “one of the greatest players to ever play the game” and a privilege to watch.
England’s 323-run victory in Wellington sealed their first away series win in two years and their first series triumph in New Zealand since 2008. Despite sustaining an ankle injury while playing football, Brook is expected to be fit for the final Test in Hamilton. Meanwhile, New Zealand will be without opener Devon Conway, who will miss the match for the birth of his first child. Will Young will likely take Conway’s place, with Mark Chapman called up to the squad.
The final Test begins on Saturday, with England aiming to cap off a memorable series.
