England’s rising batting star Harry Brook has respectfully turned down the recognition of being named Player of the Series by India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir, stating that teammate Joe Root was more worthy of the honor.
Brook, who tallied 481 runs at an impressive average of 53.44 during the five-match Test series against India, scored a brilliant 111 on the final day at The Oval. However, he believes Root’s consistent performances and higher run tally should have earned him the award instead.
“I didn’t score as many runs as Rooty, so I think he should have been the Man of the Series or Man of the Summer,” Brook said during the post-match presentation. “He’s been that for many years now.”
Under the existing format in England, two Player of the Series awards are given — one selected by each team’s head coach. While England head coach Brendon McCullum picked India’s captain Shubman Gill, Gambhir selected Brook as England’s top performer.
Despite Brook’s attacking hundred that nearly led England to a historic chase, his dismissal sparked a collapse, with the hosts losing 7 wickets for just 66 runs in the final innings. Joe Root, who also scored a century at The Oval, finished as England’s highest run scorer in the series with 537 runs at an average of 67.
Brook reflected on the defeat, admitting that he was confident England would win when he and Root were building their partnership. “When we were out there, needing about 40, I thought the game was in the bag. If I stayed a bit longer or scored 30 more quickly, we’d have chased it. Unfortunately, I got out, and it changed everything.”
Brook attempted to take on Akash Deep but fell playing an aggressive shot over extra cover, which opened the door for India’s comeback and dramatic six-run victory in the fifth Test.
Despite the heartbreak, Brook is proud of his individual performance across the series. “I feel I did okay. It hurts that I couldn’t finish the job in the last Test, but I’m happy to have contributed in multiple games.”
Brook now gears up for the white-ball phase of England’s summer. He will lead the Northern Superchargers in The Hundred before captaining England in upcoming limited-overs matches against South Africa and Ireland.
“My first match is already on Thursday, so there’s no time to rest. There’s a packed schedule ahead, and I hope everyone remains fit and ready to go,” Brook concluded.