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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Dean Wilson

England player ratings after New Zealand whitewash as new era gets off to perfect start

England have whitewashed World Test Champions New Zealand after wrapping up a 3-0 series victory with a stunning seven-wicket win at Headingley.

After winning just one of their last 17 Test matches, England have turned things around in dramatic fashion under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Playing a new brand of positive cricket, England successfully chased totals of over 250 runs to win all three Tests, the first time a side has ever managed to do so in a single series.

"It has gone really well," Stokes said. "To walk away with a 3-0 series win against the best team in the world is a pretty special start. It's a huge testament to the team. Over these three games they've been phenomenal."

Here are the England player ratings...

Alex Lees - 4

Made an encouraging contribution at Trent Bridge with his first Test fifty, but failed to capitalise and build on it.

Zak Crawley - 2

Looks like Test cricket is getting harder and harder for him. His attempt to hit his way into form also failed. Under pressure.

Ollie Pope - 7

Showed that he has the temperament and technique to be a Test No.3, but still has areas to tighten up. A positive series.

Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root were in brilliant form with the bat for England (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Joe Root - 9

Still head and shoulders above all others with a bat in his hand. A master at work although his slip catching needs attention.

Jonny Bairstow - 10

Produced three of the most destructive and memorable innings by an England batsman in a row, just incredible.

Ben Stokes - 8

A mixed bag on the field with bat and ball, but he rode his luck and made his biggest impact as captain calling the shots.

Ben Foakes - 5

Had a telling impact on the win at Lord’s with the bat to show promise, but faded thereafter until Covid got him.

Jamie Overton was out for 97 on his England debut (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Jamie Overton - 7

Totally turned his only Test on its head with the bat rather than the ball. Is capable of success with both at this level.

Matthew Potts - 8

Terrific find for England. Was a constant threat throughout all three games and never let his pace or his head drop.

Stuart Broad - 6

Had a golden moment at Lord’s with a team hat-trick during his over, but rarely threatened to dominate.

Jack Leach took two five-wicket hauls in the final Test at Headingley (Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Jack Leach - 8

Got better and better from concussed at Lord’s to man-of-the-match at Headingley. Looks like a changed man.

Sam Billings - 5

Did his job as a Covid substitute at Headingley competently and professionally.

James Anderson - 7

Still the best in the business when fit and able, but will miss more and more games as the years catch up.

Matt Parkinson - 4

Stepped in as a concussion substitute and enjoyed his first taste of Test cricket.

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