Ben Stokes hails England's 'phenomenal' series whitewash over New Zealand: It has gone really well
India Today
Ben Stokes expressed his happiness with the team as England whitewashed New Zealand on Monday.
England captain Ben Stokes has expressed his happiness with England's series whitewash over New Zealand, calling it absolutely phenomenal.
Chasing 113 runs on the final day of the third Test, the hosts made short work of New Zealand's bowling and achieved the target within 15.2 overs. Jonny Bairstow was once again the chief tormentor for the Kiwis as he scored the second-fastest fifty in Test cricket. He reached the feat in 30 balls. Joe Root also played a fine knock and remained unbeaten on 86.
Speaking during the post-match presentation, Stokes expressed his happiness at defeating the World Test Champions. He also praised his teammates for adapting to the change in mindset to the game.
Stokes was also happy with England's fightback in the third Test and said that the series had set the level for players to come in and perform for the team.
"It has gone really well. A 3-0 win against the best team in the world, it's absolutely phenomenal. It's about the change of the mindset of the lads towards Test cricket. To say that we have done it so quickly is unbelievable. Huge credit to Brendon and the backroom staff. Trent Bridge was incredible, but being 55 for 6 and then doing what we did and the manner in which we did was the most pleasing thing. It has really set the level people want to come in and perform for the Test side," said Stokes.
The England captain also singled out players like Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Ollie Pope and Jack Leach for praise and said that the team will come out with the same mindset in the upcoming Test against India.
"Pottsy has taken it like fish to water. Broady, even at 36, bowling these many overs, and fantastic to see Leachy. When we got together, we picked the players who offer the best in every position. Pope's been fantastic, carrying his form from Surrey and showing the world what Pope is about. India are a different opposition but we will come out with the same mindset," said Stokes.
