Nasser Hussain has compared Harry Brook to England icons Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root following the Three Lions’ famous win over Pakistan.
England looked like they’d struggle to reign supreme after the hosts posted a total of 556 runs from their first innings.
Yet Brook’s 317, and Root’s 262, meant the visitors were able to declare with 823 runs to their name.
Pakistan were then bowled out for 220, with Jack Leach impressing by taking four wickets for just 30 runs.
Harry Brook hit a stunning 317 as England beat Pakistan in their first Test match
PA
Hussain, writing for the Daily Mail, has now lavished praise on Brook after the 25-year-old produced the best innings of his international career.
He said: “Only Virender Sehwag has got a run-a-ball 300 in Test cricket, but Brook had the skill to almost match him without looking frenetic or chaotic.
“He has the shots of Kevin Pietersen and the rhythm and hunger of Root — and they are two of England’s greatest players.”
The former England skipper continued: “There have been times when Brook’s ruthlessness and concentration have been questioned.
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“Like at Lord’s in last year’s Ashes, when he took on the fielders when there were five back and he was caught in the deep.
“Or against Sri Lanka at the Oval, when the tourists were ‘hiding’ the ball outside off stump yet he kept driving and chipped one up to cover. But he showed a really ruthless instinct here.
“When Brook took time out of the game earlier this year following the death of his grandmother, he worked hard on his fitness, and it has really showed.
“The fitness levels of this England side are unbelievable and incomparable with older generations.
“For England to get 800, and to get there so quickly, was magnificent.
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“They batted for only one more over than Pakistan did in their first innings, and scored 267 more runs.
“Because England score so fast, it gives them enough time to fashion victories.
“It was the same when they beat Pakistan in Rawalpindi and New Zealand at Trent Bridge, the only other occasions on which they have conceded 550 in the Bazball era.
“England timed their declaration perfectly and what we saw after that was a tired and demoralised Pakistan team.”
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Harry Brook impressed with the bat as England beat Pakistan
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Brook himself, meanwhile, admitted he enjoyed himself.
Speaking in the aftermath of his side’s victory, the England star said: “I enjoyed it a lot.
“It was tough in the heat but it was good to be out there with Rooty and put on that partnership; the plan was just to bat as long as possible.
“[What’s on the checklist if you want to score 300?] Good question!
Harry Brook has been compared to England cricket icons Joe Root and Kevin Pietersen by Nasser Hussain after his stunning performance against Pakistan
PA
“You have to enjoy batting, build a partnership with the other guy out there, rotate strike as much as possible and try and put pressure on the bowlers.”
The second Test match between Pakistan and England is due to commence on October 15.
The third will take place on October 24.