'HE’S THE NEXT JOE ROOT. He's like Kevin Pietersen also': Stuart Broad left in awe by young batsman

When talking about the England Test squad, Joe Root comes out as maybe the best because of his outstanding performance and relentless consistency. Root is a key player in England's Test cricket because his outstanding performance has confirmed his reputation as a constant standout.

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Stuart Broad names the ‘next Joe Root’ of England

Harry Brook has been praised by former England fast bowler Stuart Broad, who called him 'the next Joe Root' and drew comparisons between Brook and the great England cricketer. Broad noted Brook's remarkable control and command over the off-stump line, pointing out that his approach clearly mimics Root's. Although Brook's strength and accuracy bring back thoughts of the legendary Kevin Pietersen, his dependability and consistency reflect Root's own.

Broad praised Brook for his major bat contribution after play on Day 2 of the first Test between England and Sri Lanka, thereby stressing his vital part in England's performance. Speaking on Sky Sports, Stuart Broad said: 

"We had a really good summer when he came around the whole Test summer with us and I remember a net session at Harry and he had that amazing ability to hit that off-stump line through straight mid-wicket like really powerfully, a bit like Kevin Pietersen, stands up tall and hits well," 

“Jimmy and I played with him at Yorkshire and we walked out of the presser thinking he's the next Root...When he came into the Test side, he doesn't overcomplicate anything,”

England leads Sri Lanka by 23 runs at the close of the second day of the first Test match, with a score of 259/6. In their first innings Sri Lanka scored 236. Leading England are Smith with an unbroken 72 and Brook with 56 runs. With bowling stats of 2/58 and 3/68 respectively, players  Jayasiriya and  Fernando gave Sri Lanka an impressive performance.

Harry Brook acknowledged that England was in trouble at 67/3 in Manchester. He stabilised the batting after losing key wickets with a 56-run effort off 73 balls.

Brook and Root shared 58 runs before Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando dismissed Root for 42. After Root departed, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith added another 52-run stand. His superb execution coupled aggressive stroke play with defensive consistency, especially against Sri Lankan spinners.

Brook was bowled by Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasiriya soon before noon, leaving England at 187/5 despite his remarkable performance. His effort gave England a fighting chance under tough circumstances.

With 1,434 runs in 16 Test cricket at an amazing average of 59.75, including nine half-centuries and five centuries, Brook's fast climb in the game is clear-cut. Comparisons to Root have come from his capacity to succeed under duress, especially at home, where he has scored 637 runs in 11 matches. His latest knock against Sri Lanka further fuels the increasing conviction that Brook lead England to new heights in the coming future.