Just 6 tests into the team, and already being called the next big thing in English Cricket, enough to get carried off? Well, not for the 24-year-old Harry Brook. Harry Brook who was playing the 9th innings of his Test career slammed a century (184* off 169) becoming the batsman in history to score 800 runs after just 9 Test innings, a record previously held by India’s Vinod Kambli. (798)
The youngster who already has four centuries to his name has an astonishing average of 100.8 at a stellar strike rate of 99.38. The middle-order batter bailed the three lions off the crisis when he came to the pitch at 21-3 on a pretty green surface, much in the pacer’s favor along with Joe Root against Kiwis on Friday.
“I’ll be astonished if he doesn’t play over 100 Test”- Alastair Cook
In awe of the youngster’s batting brilliance, the England Legend, Alastair Cook has showered him with praises, showing big belief in the Yorkshire batter.
“I wouldn’t know exactly what to do as a captain against a man in Brook’s form, because he’s got every option covered. Some of these shots you can only dream of and the confidence to play them and the skill to be able to consistently hit cleanly in the right areas – it’s been an absolute pleasure to sit here and watch a Harry Brook masterclass.” said Alastair Cook.
“184 not out on day one of a Test match after being 21-3, striking at over 100, it’s extraordinary when you start breaking it down like that. I’ll be astonished if he doesn’t play over 100 Test matches. I’m expecting him to be able to dominate Test cricket, 50-over cricket, 20-over cricket, be one of the all-time great players – without putting too much pressure on him!” he stated.
“He’s not going to average that [over 100] for the course of his career, it is a purple patch of extraordinary form, you get them if you’re lucky and he’s been able to drag his out quite long and he’ll be wanting to continue. he added.
When Stokes compared him to Kohli
It is not every day that you see a player hitting with a similar flare in three formats. Just 24, and already a T20 world champion, the world fanning over his talent, including his very own captain.
“He’s one of those rare players that you look across all formats and you can just see him being successful everywhere. It’s a massive shout, but Virat Kohli is one of those guys where his technique is just so simple and works everywhere.” said Ben Stokes.
An aggressor by instinct, the right-hander in T20I cricket has scored 372 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 137, which saw IPL franchises going behind him with big money, despite his absolute lack of experience, playing in the Indian conditions. Brook was eventually bought an a massive 13.25 crores by the Sunrises Hyderabad.
Also Read: IPL 2023: Ben Stokes To Miss The Second Half Of The IPL for National Duties