"I'm trying to catch him but he's too good” – Former England skipper on Harry Brook’s Test heroics vs New Zealand

Former England captain Joe Root praised Harry Brook for scoring back-to-back centuries in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand on Monday, December 9. The senior batter labeled Brook one of the best among the current players citing that even he is finding it tough to match his apprentice.

The reaction came after the 25-year-old returned with 171, 123, and 55 in his three outings as England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Root and Brook are currently ranked No.1 and 2, respectively, in the latest ICC Test rankings for batters. Following a 323-run win over New Zealand in the second Test, Root told BBC:

“Brookie is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute. I'm trying to catch him but he's too good, isn't he? He's obviously one of the best players, if not the best players, to have ever played the game. It's mega to play with him and he's awesome to watch."

Harry Brook has amassed 2,280 runs in 23 Tests at an average of 61.62, including eight tons and 10 half-centuries. He has the best average after 20 innings, only behind Adam Voges and Sir Don Bradman.

The Yorkshire batter had recently slammed a triple century in Pakistan.

Most runs in WTC 2023-25 cycle (1,000-plus runs):

Joe Root: 1882 runs in 21 Tests (38 innings)
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 1592 runs in 16 Tests (30 innings)
Harry Brook: 1462 runs in 16 Tests (27 innings)
Zak Crawley: 1149 runs in 18 Tests (32 innings)
Kusal Mendis: 1049 runs in nine Tests (16 innings)
Ollie Pope: 1043 runs in 18 Tests (32 innings)

"He can absorb pressure, he can apply it" – Joe Root credits Harry Brook for his game awareness

Joe Root further lauded Harry Brook for his game awareness and range of shots. He said (via BBC):

"To be able to construct an innings like that off the back of another exceptional hundred the week before, with 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 added.

Brook, however, is under an injury cloud after sustaining after hurting his ankle while playing football. He didn’t take the field on Sunday as England completed a victory over the Kiwis.