Harry Brook Says Joe Root Deserved Player of the Series, Not Him

England batter Harry Brook has downplayed his own recognition as Player of the Series, saying teammate Joe Root was more deserving of the honour following the drawn five-Test series against India.

Brook, who was named England’s standout performer by India head coach Gautam Gambhir, scored 481 runs at an average of 53.44, including a brilliant 111 on the final day at The Oval. But he was quick to point out that Root had been more consistent throughout.

“I didn’t score as many runs as Rooty, so I probably think he should be Man of the Series or Man of the Summer,” Brook said. “He has been for many years.”

Root finished as England’s top scorer with 537 runs at an average of 67, including a century at The Oval just before Brook’s dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse. India went on to win the final Test by six runs, levelling the series 2-2.

Each team’s head coach selects the opposition’s Player of the Series. While England coach Brendon McCullum picked Shubman Gill from India, Gambhir chose Brook for his attacking performances — particularly his century that nearly sealed a record chase.

Reflecting on the final innings, Brook admitted he thought England had the match in hand while he and Root were batting.

“My thought process was just to try and hit as many runs as quick as possible,” he said. “If we needed 40 more runs with me and Rooty in, I thought the game was done. But obviously, it didn’t work.”

Speaking to BBC’s Test Match Special, Brook added: “At the time, I was very confident. I thought if I got a quick 30, we’d win. That was my mindset — always trying to take the game on and put pressure on the opposition. I just wish I was there at the end.”

His dismissal, caught while trying to loft Akash Deep over extra cover, gave India a way back into the game on the final morning.

Despite the disappointment, Brook remained positive about his overall performance. “I’ve played all right,” he said. “I could’ve won that game yesterday, which is devastating, but I’m happy to have contributed.”

Brook now shifts his attention to white-ball cricket, starting with captaining the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred, followed by limited-overs series against South Africa and Ireland.

“My first game is on Thursday, so it’s a quick turnaround,” he said. “There’s a lot of cricket coming up — hopefully everyone stays fit and we’re ready to go.”