"Harry Brook is the best player in the world at the minute," opines the No.1 ICC test batsman Joe Root

Harry Brook has eight centuries to his name in only 23 tests.

Former England test captain Joe Root has hailed young batting sensation Harry Brook as the best test batsman in the world currently. Root’s high praise for Brook came after his second consecutive century in the ongoing series in New Zealand, which England have wrapped up with one test to go.

Brook has had an unbelievable start to his test career. The 25-year-old with only 23 tests under his belt has recorded eight test centuries, including a triple hundred in Multan, and averages 61.62. Among batsmen with over 2000 test runs, Brook has the second-highest average of all-time, behind only Don Bradman, who averaged 99.94.

After the Wellington test, Root said, “If you asked me, Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute. He has such an all-round game: he can absorb pressure, he can apply it, 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. He’s so hard to bowl to.”

Root’s assessment is neither out of place nor exaggerated. Brook has a staggering record outside England. In only 10 away tests, he has hit seven centuries and has an average of 89! Only 11 England batsmen have hit more away test centuries than Brook.

This meteoric form has led to Harry Brook climbing to the second spot in the ICC test batting ranking, and now sits right behind Root.

Those stats can soon come soaring down: Harry Brook

Brook, though, realizes that his astronomical numbers are likely to come down as he progresses in his career. He is yet to play a series in India and Australia.

“I’ve only played 22 or 23 games, so those stats can soon come soaring down. I’m just trying to keep on getting as good as I can, working hard in the nets and improving areas that are uncomfortable,” Brook asserted.

In the 2025 summer, England will be hosting India for a five-match test series, and later travel to Australia for the Ashes.

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