England make bold statement ahead of the India Test, clean sweep New Zealand

England sent out a loud message ahead of the rescheduled Test vs India that they are no longer the side which faced India 10 months ago. The Three Lions thrashed New Zealand by 7 wickets in the 3rd Test to hand the Kiwis a 3-0 whitewash in the series.

Chasing 296 to win, Ollie Pope and Joe Root dug deep and stitched a 134-run 3rd wicket stand. Pope departed for 82 but Root remained unbeaten on 86. It was, however, Jonny Bairstow once again who took Headingley by storm. He has been a revelation of late and backed up his 162 in the 1st innings with a fiery 44-ball-71 not out in the 2nd to take his side over the finish line.

Interestingly, England has now become the first team in the history of Test cricket to chase down targets of over 250 thrice in a Test series. It will be a tough task for Team India to beat this English side in their backyard when the 5th Test starts July 1.

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