Ben Stokes compared Harry Brook to India hero Virat Kohli after he helped England beat Pakistan in the second Test in Multan and seal a historic series win.
Brook’s second-innings hundred proved crucial as Pakistan were bowled out for 328 in pursuit of 355.
Pakistan, seeking a series-levelling win, were making good progress at 191-3 and 290-5 but Mark Wood took three crucial wickets on the fourth day to send England on their way to another Test win under Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
This is now the first time England have ever won two Tests in an away series against Pakistan, in their first Test series in the country since 2005.
Yorkshire batter Brook has made a sensational start to his international career, scoring two centuries in five Test innings and helping England win the T20 World Cup since making his debut last summer.
‘He is just phenomenal,’ Stokes said of the 23-year-old. ‘He is one of those rare players, you look across all formats and see him being successful everywhere.
‘It is a massive shout but Virat Kohli is one of those guys. He is technically so simple it works everywhere.
‘The pressure he puts back on the opposition is exactly what we are about. We are lucky with way we could replace Jonny [Bairstow]. They bring so much to the team.
‘Harry playing the way he has done with Jonny not being in the team is what you want. You want those headaches every week. It feels like we have all bases covered so it is good.’
England have now won eight out of the nine Tests they have played under Stokes and former New Zealand star McCullum.
Stokes added: ‘There were different conditions here and a differently played game. Things happened quickly and it was a brilliant game to play.
‘We were quite fortunate to find the cracks and our seamers became effective. There are definitely bodies that are tight up there but it was a terrific effort.’
Ex-England skipper Michael Atherton, meanwhile, believes Stokes will go down as ‘one of England’s greatest ever’ captains as he continues to ‘galvanise’ the team.
‘Stokes has transformed and galvanised that outfit,’ Atherton told Sky Sports. ‘It is the measure of leadership.
‘He is going to be a very significant England captain – one of our greatest ever by the time he finishes.
‘I can’t remember or think of, certainly for England but I am trying to think worldwide, who had such a dramatic impact when taking over.
‘After the Ashes England were terrible, then beaten in Caribbean but suddenly this whole team is transformed and galvanised.’
England will look to win the series 3-0 when the third and final Test starts in Karachi on Saturday.
MORE : England opener sends warning to Pakistan spinner after dream debut
MORE : Ben Stokes explains Foakes snub and Wood recall for second Pakistan Test
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