New Delhi, India

Ben Stokes-led England inflicted a series whitewash over West Indies as hosts ended the three-match Test series with a 3-0 scoreline, on Sunday (July 28). While the hosts were challenged in the last two Tests, they came out on top and negated every threat to beat Kraigg Brathwaite-led side in every game. The home series win is special for England following their 4-1 drubbing at the hands of India, early this year. Moreover, they have a new-look side with James Anderson's retirement and Jonny Bairstow losing his spot after his 100th Test (in Dharamsala). Thus, Test coach Brendon McCullum reacted to the series win by saying that 'it is really satisfying' to see the team's growth.

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After the series win, McCullum said, "It's really satisfying, the growth of the side in general. Sometimes, when you lose, you get a period of reflection (indicating about the India series loss) and what we've seen is a team which has bounced back with a bit more of a harder feel to it."

McCullum further reckoned that England are not a "finished product" yet, and have taken giant strides towards becoming the team that can win not only at home but also abroad.

The former New Zealand captain stated, "The group and the understanding of how we want to play as a team is starting to get to where we want it to. We're not the finished product, absolutely, but this has been a step forward. You're starting to formulate the sort of side able to go up against the best teams in the world. There were delicate moments in this series and it really tested us, so it was extremely satisfying."

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For England, the likes of young guns such as Gus Atkinson and  Jamie Smith stepped up in their respective roles. The two youngsters made a solid mark with Atkinson ending the series with 22 scalps (most by any) whereas Smith amassed 207 runs at a strike-rate of 71.62. In addition, Chris Woakes -- who is now the leader of the pace attack following Anderson's retirement -- took the new role with ease, returning with 11 wickets (third-most). Even Shoaib Bashir, playing his first series at home, ended with a five-fer in the second Test in Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

McCullum spoke at length on the changes within the team and said, "We knew we needed to make a couple of improvements to continue to improve as a side. We brought in some new faces and some guys that have shown that they're very comfortable at international level, and until you give some people an opportunity, you don't know right?

"What we've seen from Gus Atkinson, from Shoaib Bashir and Jamie Smith.. these guys have shown that international cricket is where they belong and they've performed accordingly. It's really satisfying from that point of view, but also the growth of the side in general," he added.

Stokes-led England have moved to the sixth spot in the ongoing 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) after the series triumph over West Indies.