ENG vs NZ: Harry Brook receives high praise from Joe Root

Joe Root has praised his England teammate Harry Brook, calling him "far and away the best player in the world" after England's dominant series win over New Zealand. Brook’s outstanding performance in the second Test at the Basin Reserve helped secure England’s first series victory in New Zealand since 2008.  

Both Root and Brook scored centuries in England’s 323-run victory, which wrapped up the series 2-0 in just three days. Brook’s impressive 123 in challenging conditions during the first innings earned him the Player of the Match award. Root, who contributed 106 in the second innings, credited Brook for his ability to handle pressure and dominate bowlers.  

"Brooky is by far and away the best player in the world at the minute," Root said. "He can absorb pressure, apply it, and score runs in every way possible. He’s extremely hard to bowl to" he added.   

Brook, who recently climbed to No. 2 in the ICC Test rankings after his stellar 171 in the first Test, returned the compliment to Root, the current No. 1. "I'm trying to catch him, but he's too good, isn’t he? No, he's obviously one of the best players, if not the best player, to have ever played the game," Brook said.  

With an average of 61.62 from just 23 Tests, Brook has already made a mark as one of the most promising players in cricket. However, he remains grounded, saying, "I’ve only played 23 games, so those stats could soon come down. I’m just focused on improving and working on my game" he explained.   

Meanwhile, Joe Root has been shortlisted for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, a recognition he described as "humbling." England’s squad will now regroup in Hamilton ahead of the third and final Test, set to begin on Saturday.