Gavin Hamilton has reported positive talks with Joe Root and Harry Brook over their availability for Yorkshire in 2025.
Yorkshire’s new general manager of cricket has been paying tribute to the England pair after they were this week ranked number one and two in the ICC’s Test Match rankings.
The duo are currently in New Zealand preparing for tonight’s second Test of three in Wellington, where England lead the series 1-0 after a dominant series opening performance in Christchurch, where Brook scored a fine first-innings 171.
It was the 25-year-old’s seventh hundred in only 22 Test appearances.
Root is ranked number one and Brook number two.
Picture by Stu Forster/Getty Images. Yorkshire stars Joe Root and Harry Brook are on top of the world!
Earlier this winter, Root became England’s all-time leading Test Match run-scorer, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook. The 33-year-old has 12,777 runs to his name from 150 Tests and is hunting down Sachin Tendulkar’s world record of 15,921.
Both have enjoyed a memorable year in Test Match Cricket. Root’s haul of 1,361 from 15 Tests is better than any other batter in the world, and he has two more Tests to boost that number. Brook is fifth on the list with 921 from 10 appearances.
In the opening Test of England’s October series defeat in Pakistan, they put on a stunning 454 for the fourth wicket. Brook made 317 and Root 262. Both were career best scores.
Former England and Scotland all-rounder Hamilton said: “We all know what good players they are. Rooty, say no more. In terms of Brooky getting to that level, he’s been outstanding as well. His rise over the last two or three years has been exceptional.
“What an advert it is for Yorkshire Cricket.
Picture by Ben Duffy/SWpix. Yorkshire’s new general manager of cricket Gavin Hamilton during his playing days.
“They’re two fully-fledged born and bred Yorkshiremen, and we’re all very proud of their achievements.
“Would there be any county that’s happened to before? It’s remarkable.”
While Root has retained his number one ranking, Brook is the one who has shot up the list.
“The fact Brooky has played multi-formats and has maintained that consistency, it’s a testament to him,” said Hamilton. “But knowing him and how hard he works, it’s no surprise to be perfectly honest.”
Both men played five early-season Championship matches in 2024 as Yorkshire gained promotion. Root scored 442 runs and Brook 388. Root also played in the Vitality Blast T20 competition.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Harry Brook in Championship action for Yorkshire this summer.
Hamilton is hopeful and confident they will feature again in 2025, though at this early stage is unable to pinpoint their availability.
“Again, it’s testament to them because they want to play,” he said. “We’ve already had communication with them around next season. If and when they can, they do. That’s where we are with them.
“It just goes to show what Yorkshire means to those guys.
“It’s a great thing to have. I’ve spoken to Anthony McGrath about it, and they’re a joy to have.”
An early assumption would be that Root is likely to be available more than Brook next summer given he opted against putting himself forward for the early-summer IPL, which clashes with the first half of the Rothesay County Championship through April and May. Last month, Brook was re-signed by Delhi Capitals.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com. Joe Root in Championship action for Yorkshire this summer.
Hamilton said: “The conversations have been very positive. It’s hard to say what that number will look like at the moment because things change. But they’re very open and are keen to play.”
And Hamilton is confident England can convert their early lead in New Zealand into a series win, the one-time capped Test all-rounder impressed by what he saw in Christchurch last week, where the tourists won by eight wickets.
“They look strong, don’t they,” he added. “It was a convincing win, and England are just starting to peak in my opinion.
“They’ve obviously had their ups and downs recently, but they’re just starting to get the right balance, especially in the bowling attack. They have some good options there.
“When they bat and bat well, there’s not too many teams they can’t dominate. It will be a difficult task to come back from for New Zealand after that first Test.”
Picture by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images. England captain Ben Stokes chats to the media ahead of tonight’s second Test in Wellington.
