“They chanted 5-0 on TV”: New Zealand star's astute comment after series win against India

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell believes that the Indian team has been a bit surprised by what happened in the first two Test matches in Bengaluru and Pune. New Zealand took an unassailable 2–0 lead by winning the first two matches of the series by eight wickets and 113 runs, making it their first Test series win in India. This also meant that a visiting team won a Test series in India after 12 years. Tom Latham-led New Zealand, who came off the back of a 2-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka, are now aiming for a series sweep through the third Test starting at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from Friday.

“They're a little surprised. When we first came, I think they saw a slogan on TV about Five-Zero for their summer house, or something like that. I'm pretty sure they told us “After Sri Lanka he refused to come.”

“But I think they're quite surprised by what we've achieved and how we've competed and played really good cricket to beat these guys – one of the best teams in the world I think. That they Blundell told SEN radio: “I'm a little shocked by what's happened.”

After the game in Mumbai, New Zealand will host England for three Test matches on home soil and Blundell said the team would start their home summer happy and proud by winning the Test series in India.

“Your World Test Championship is still at stake, that's something that motivates us as well. But it's going to be a challenge. India is probably going to be hurt by that. But regardless of the result, we will come out with a good performance.” We can go home with big smiles on our faces.”

“What we have achieved here is huge, it is probably one of the biggest achievements of my career. We are excited. We have a chance to beat them 3-0. But despite that, we are quite excited. “