England batter Harry Brook, who scored 481 runs in the five-Test series against India, has rejected the title of Player of the Series awarded to him by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. Despite his impressive performance, Brook believes that Joe Root, who was England’s highest run-scorer with 537 runs, deserved the award instead.
Brook, who averaged 53.44 in the series, including a fluent 111 runs at The Oval, expressed his thoughts at the post-match presentation. “I didn’t score as many runs as Rooty (Joe Root), so I probably think he should be Man of the Series or Man of the Summer,” Brook said. “He has been for many years.”
A Controversial Decision: Brook vs Root
After the series ended 2-2 with India’s dramatic six-run win in the fifth Test, there were two Player of the Series awards. England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, selected India’s captain Shubman Gill, while Gambhir chose Brook as England’s standout player. While Brook’s attacking hundred on the final day had put England on the brink of a record chase, his dismissal led to a collapse that allowed India to secure the win.
Root, who also scored a century at The Oval, had been consistent throughout the series and emerged as England’s top scorer with an average of 67. Brook, reflecting on the match, admitted that he was confident of a win when he and Root were at the crease. “If I get out there, the game’s still done,” he said. “Obviously, it didn’t work.”
Brook’s Focus Shifts to the White-Ball Season
Despite his disappointing dismissal, which ultimately cost England the match, Brook was proud of his contributions. “I’ve played all right. I could have won that game yesterday, which is devastating, but I’m just happy to contribute to as many games as I can,” he said.
Looking ahead, Brook is shifting his focus to the white-ball season. He will captain the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and will also lead England in the limited-overs series against South Africa and Ireland. “My first game is on Thursday, so it’s a fairly quick turnaround,” Brook said, eager to continue contributing to his team.
As Brook prepares for the next phase of his cricket career, he remains focused on the future while reflecting on a successful series that saw him shine alongside Joe Root.
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