Joe Root’s reign as the No.1 Test batter in the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings has come to an end in the lead-up to the third and final Test against New Zealand.

In the changing of the guard at the top of the Test batter rankings this week, Harry Brook dethroned Root by gaining a narrow one-point advantage over his Yorkshire teammate.

Joining legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar with the equal 34th highest rating of all time, Brook has amassed 898 rating points which is just one more than former England skipper Root in the ICC rankings.

Root held the esteemed position after surpassing former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson in July this year. The Sheffield batter has bagged the top spot in the ICC Test batting rankings on nine occasions over his glittering career.  

Talking about the rise of Brook, the Yorkshire cricketer registered scores of 123 and 55 in England’s thumping 323-run triumph over the Black Caps at Basin Reserve. Root was dismissed for three before the ex-England captain bounced back with a brilliant 106 in the same Test against New Zealand.

Reflecting on England’s win over the hosts, Root admitted that his teammate Brook is the best player in the world. The Root and Brook batting show also thwarted New Zealand’s bid to enter the final of the ICC World Test Championships. 

After propelling England to a massive series win, Brook was named Player of the Match in Wellington. The 25-year-old has accumulated 2,280 runs from 38 innings in 23 Test appearances for the Three Lions. Averaging 61.62 in the longest format, Brook has eight centuries, including a career-best 317 against Pakistan.

The Yorkshire batter made his Test debut against South Africa at Kennington Oval in 2022. Ben Stokes-led England side will meet New Zealand in the 3rd Test at Hamilton on Saturday.