Nasser Hussain and Simon Doull lavish praise on Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum for England’s resurgence

After an impeccable display of cricket by the hosts against New Zealand, the English team sealed the three-match Test series against the Kiwis by taking a 2-0 lead. 

For such a wholesome performance by England, one has to credit the new torch-bearers of the Three Lions Test squad. The duo of recently-appointed captain and head coach Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been phenomenal for the team's performance, and it has been evident from the players' perspectives. 

England's former captain and veteran cricketer, Nasser Hussain, has showered praise on the new additions to the English Test side and has highlighted the improved standards of English Test cricket. 

"I was the first to pull Keysy (Rob Key) up on it when he said we are going to play in a different style and a different brand, and I said these fans just want a winning brand and a winning style, and I got it wrong," said Hussain. 

"These fans want to see this style of cricket, and winning is a bonus if they go 3-0 up and win all three like this. But what we are seeing from these fans, they are loving what they are seeing out in the middle. The brand and style of cricket are important."

In the final Test match, Ollie Pope has played a pivotal role in adding some crucial runs to England's second innings. Currently, the Surrey batter is at 81* and could race to his third Test century in the morning session of the fifth day. 

Meanwhile, Simon Doull, another veteran England cricketer, thinks McCullum's role has boosted the morale of the batter. 

"I think he has a bit more confidence. We talk about that 100 at Nottingham; he exudes confidence at the county level and struts like a few other Surrey players who have gone before him. Especially at the county level, and he bullies and bosses it. But he hasn't quite found that on the international level. It is not about ability, but it's the all-around attitude and belief and knowing that he isn't getting dropped if he has a couple of failures. I know that Brendon McCullum will be saying those types of things to these players - don't worry about getting dropped next week, month or the month after that. That is not what this is about if you can't enjoy what is happening here and now."

Coming to the third Test, England are firm favourites to win the final match of the series. New Zealand have posted a target of 296, and England are in a strong position at 183/2. The Three Lions will need just 113 runs in 93 overs with eight wickets in hand to seal the series 3-0.