Joe Root has hailed Harry Brook as "by far and away the best player in the world" following the 25-year-old's remarkable performance in England's win over New Zealand in Wellington. Brook, who scored 123 in the victory, now has 2,280 runs from 23 Tests, an extraordinary start to his career. Root, who made his 36th Test century in Wellington, praised Brook's ability to handle pressure and his diverse skill set. Root also spoke highly of his teammate’s all-round game, saying Brook can excel against both spin and seam, showing remarkable composure at the crease.
Brook, who has an impressive average of 61.62, has rapidly risen to prominence, eclipsing Root in the early stages of his career. His performance puts him alongside some of the game's modern greats, with comparisons to players like Australia’s Steve Smith and India’s Virat Kohli. Root, long considered one of the "Fab Four" of Test batting, acknowledged Brook's potential, while Brook humbly expressed admiration for Root's legacy.
England secured a 323-run victory in Wellington, marking their first away series win in two years and their first in New Zealand since 2008. Brook, who sustained an ankle injury playing football, did not take the field on Sunday but is not expected to miss the final Test in Hamilton. New Zealand has made changes to their squad, with Devon Conway absent due to the birth of his child, and Will Young likely to take his place.