What Happened in the Series
England and India battled to a thrilling 2–2 draw in the five-Test Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. As is tradition, each coach chose a standout player from the opposing team:
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India’s coach Gautam Gambhir picked Harry Brook for England
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England’s coach, Brendon McCullum, selected Shubman Gill for India
Why Brook Rejected the Award
Despite the honour, Harry Brook politely declined Gambhir’s choice. On BBC Sport, he said:
“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”
His humility shone through as he acknowledged Root’s superior consistency over the series.
How They Performed: Brook vs. Root
| Player | Runs Scored | Average | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harry Brook | 481 | ~53.44 | 111 at The Oval; two hundreds + fifties |
| Joe Root | 537 | ~67.12 | Three centuries, England’s top scorer |
Brook finished with 481 runs, including a stunning 111 in the final Test. Root outshone him with 537 runs at a much higher average, making a clear case for Player of the Series.
A Partnership That Nearly Made History
On Day 4 at The Oval, Brook and Root stitched together a 195-run stand, setting England up for a possible record chase. Brook’s innings of 111 off 98 helped push the chase before India’s Siraj turned the tide with pressure bowling.
Why It Matters
Brook’s gesture reinforces his sportsmanship and team spirit. Even after a standout series, he gave credit where it was due, highlighting how powerful integrity can be in sport.
For England, this moment comes amid strong contributions from both Brook and Root, underlining their batting depth. For India, it’s a reminder of Gambhir’s role in respecting opponents’ excellence.
Final Thoughts
In a series filled with drama, Brook’s decision stood out. He may have been picked as Player of the Series, but he handed that recognition—even in thought—to Joe Root, openly admitting the better performance over five Tests.
With series tied and spirits high, one thing’s clear: class showed, both on and off the pitch.
Quick Recap
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Series ended 2–2 in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy
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Gambhir picked Brook; McCullum chose Gill
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Brook scored 481 runs (avg 53.44); Root scored 537 (avg 67.12)
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Brook publicly said Root deserved the award more
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Brook’s 111 at The Oval nearly clinched a historic win
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