Not Joe Root! James Anderson tips Harry Brook to become England’s greatest-ever batsman

Published - 12 Oct 2024, 05:06 PM | Updated - 12 Oct 2024, 11:39 PM

James Anderson Harry Brook Joe Root
James Anderson Harry Brook Joe Root (Image Credits: X)

Former England fast bowler James Anderson has made a huge claim on Harry Brook's future in Test cricket. Anderson reckons that Brook has the shots of both Joe Root and Kevin Pietersen and can become the best batter for England in the format.

Harry Brook recently smashed a triple-century against Pakistan in the first Test at Multan. It was his first triple-hundred in any format and a memorable outing for him. Brook's innings was full of intent as he never allowed Pakistan's bowlers to settle down.

He smashed 317 off 322 balls with 29 fours and 3 sixes. It was a commendable effort from the youngster who also stitched a marathon partnership of 454 runs with Joe Root. Root scored 262 off 375 balls with 17 fours.

Also read: Babar Azam to be kicked out of playing XI for second Test against England

James Anderson's mighty claim on Harry Brook's Test future

Joe Root and Kevin Pietersen are two of the greatest batters produced by England ever. Root recently surpassed Alastair Cook as England's highest run-getter in Tests with a magnificent double-hundred in Multan.

But after Harry Brook's knock in Multan, James Anderson was full of praises for the youngster. He claimed that Brook could surpass the likes of Joe Root and Kevin Pietersen in the future.

"He's on the way to being in the top three that I've played with. It's Root, Pietersen and him. He's definitely got all the attributes to overtake them," Anderson stated on the Tailenders podcast.

Anderson further mentioned that Brook has the qualities of Root and Pietersen which will make him the best England batter ever.

"He's just got everything. Without trying to big him up too much because he's still really early in his test career, I do think that he's got the perfect amount of each of those two and that's what will make him the best that we've ever had," the former pacer added.

"He's got the shots of both Root and Pietersen" - James Anderson on Harry Brook

James Anderson praised Harry Brook for changing the gears whenever needed. He claimed that Brook can play aggressively and also has the ability to bat longer which makes him such a great player. Anderson also noted the similarities between Brook and Root as both of them love batting.

"But he's got the shots of both Root and Pietersen. He can destroy an attack if he wants to, he can play a longer innings if he needs to," Anderson said.

"The thing that's really similar between Root and Brook is that they love batting. They literally couldn't care less what format it is. They just want to bat," the 42-year-old added.

The partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook

Harry Brook and Joe Root stitched together a partnership of 454 runs for the fourth wicket in Multan. Their partnership propelled England to a mammoth 823-7 at a run rate of 5.48.

England took a first-innings lead of 267 runs and it proved to be enough in the end. Pakistan's batting collapsed in the second innings as they were bundled out for just 220. As a result, England clinched a memorable win by an innings and 47 runs.

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