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Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has made headlines by declaring England’s Harry Brook as “probably the best Test batter in the world right now.” This statement comes in the wake of Brook’s stellar performances in the recent Crowe-Thorpe Trophy against New Zealand, where he scored his seventh and eighth Test centuries. These achievements have catapulted Brook to the top of the ICC Test batter rankings, surpassing his compatriot Joe Root.

Brook’s cricketing career has been marked by remarkable milestones. He has managed to score seven of his Test centuries while playing outside of England. Notably, he became the first English player in 34 years to achieve a triple century, scoring 317 against Pakistan. With an average of over 60 in Test cricket after 23 matches, Brook’s prowess with the bat is undeniable.

Ponting’s endorsement of Brook is significant, especially considering his own illustrious cricketing career. His belief in Brook is further illustrated by the fact that he was instrumental in purchasing Brook for the Delhi Capitals during the IPL 2024 auction. However, Brook had to miss the IPL season for personal reasons.

Looking ahead, Brook is set for his first major overseas Test series during the Ashes tour of Australia in 2025-2026, as he had missed a previous series in India. This tour is expected to be a crucial phase in Brook’s career, providing him the opportunity to showcase his skills on one of cricket’s biggest stages.

In the subsequent 2025 auction, Brook was a sought-after player. Delhi Capitals, despite the competition, managed to secure his services again. Notably, Ricky Ponting, who had moved to Punjab Kings by then, was outbid in the process.

Ricky Ponting’s recent statement highlights the cricketing world’s recognition of Harry Brook’s extraordinary talent and contributions to the sport. With promising tours ahead, Brook’s career will be closely watched by cricket enthusiasts globally.

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