People tend to forget that there are more sheep in New Zealand than horses, dogs and humans put together. Sheep are gentle, quiet, and innocent but determined animals with a strong flocking instinct and sense of community. History tells us that the Black Caps are very similar. They go about their work quietly, play as a unit and always punch well above their weight.

New Zealand’s efforts with the ball and in the field were like a game of poker at Ahmedabad. They didn’t particularly have a very strong hand, but they kept a straight face, and England never called their bluff. Credit must be given to stand-in skipper Tom Latham who used his resources optimally and constantly made clever bowling changes.