Harry Brook Shines as England Seals Series Win in New Zealand

Joe Root ranked the number one batter in the world by the International Cricket Council has hailed his England team-mate Harry Brook as “by far and away the best player in the world.” Root made this statement after Brook’s stellar performance in England’s win over New Zealand in Wellington where Brook scored 123, his second century of the series. This follows his triple-century during England’s tour of Pakistan.

Root praised Brook’s versatility, highlighting his ability to adapt to different situations—whether absorbing pressure or applying it. He noted Brook’s skill in hitting sixes, whether over his head or against both spin and seam bowling. Root also contributed with a century in Wellington, his 36th in Test cricket placing him among the top five players in history for the most Test centuries. Despite Root’s own achievements, Brook’s early career has been exceptional.

At just 25, Brook has accumulated 2,280 runs in 23 Tests, setting a new England record for most runs after the same number of matches. His batting average of 61.62 is the third highest in history for players with at least 20 innings, trailing only Sir Don Bradman and Adam Voges. Brook’s rapid rise marks him as a key player in a new generation of talented batters including India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra.

England sealed the series with a dominant 323-run win in Wellington, their first away series victory in two years and their first win in New Zealand since 2008. Harry Brook was sidelined for the final day due to an ankle injury sustained while playing football but is not expected to miss the final Test in Hamilton. New Zealand has made a squad change with Will Young replacing Devon Conway, who is absent for the birth of his child.