Brook is the best player in the world right now, says Root

Joe Root has hailed his England and Yorkshire teammate Harry Brook as the best batter in the world at present.

The high praise comes after Brook's stunning 123 off 115 balls against New Zealand in Wellington, which helped England secure a series-clinching 323-run victory. Coming in at 43 for 4 on the first morning, Brook's knock was a masterclass in counter-attacking cricket and one he described as the finest of his 23-Test career.

His career already boasts eight centuries and an impressive batting average of 61.62.

Speaking on 9 December, Root was effusive in his admiration for Brook's skillset. "If you asked me, Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute," Root said.

"He has such an all-round game: he can absorb pressure, apply it, whack you over your head for six, or scoop you over the keeper. Whether it's spin or seam, he's just so hard to bowl to."

England captain Ben Stokes echoed Root's sentiments, calling Brook 'phenomenal' for his ability to perform in challenging conditions.

Reflecting on the Wellington match, Stokes said: "From 40-odd for four on day one to winning halfway through day three, it's pretty special. On that pitch, which was a real snake pit, no-one has a right to score 120 against New Zealand's attack. Brooky is just phenomenal. There are only a handful of players in the world who could play like that, and I'm glad he's one of ours."

Brook's recent performances, which include another century in Christchurch and a triple hundred in Multan, have propelled the 25-year-old to second place in the ICC Test batting rankings.

Root, meanwhile, still sits atop the rankings after scoring his 36th Test century in the same match. That milestone brought him level with Rahul Dravid for the fifth most centuries in Test cricket history.

Notably, Root has scored 19 of his centuries since 2021, a staggering 10 more than the next best in this period, Kane Williamson.

Brook, who averages an extraordinary 91.50 in Tests away from home, was quick to deflect the spotlight back to Root, acknowledging his senior teammate's greatness.

"I'm trying to catch him, but he's too good, isn't he?" Brook remarked. "He's just got another hundred this week. He's obviously one of the best, if not the best, to have ever played the game."

Brook also tempered expectations, pointing out the limited sample size of his career so far. "I've only played 22 or 23 games, so those stats can soon come down. I'm just focusing on improving, working hard in the nets, and addressing areas that feel uncomfortable. There's always room to get better," he said.