'Try and fire few shots': NZ Captain Tom Latham On Cloud 9 After Historic Test Series Win Over India

Having suffered a humiliation in Sri Lanka, not many knowers of game would have backed New Zealand to win a Test series against India in India. However, in space of a fortnight, New Zealand left cricket world astonished as not only did y beat India in India but also did unthinkable. y inflicted a whitewash on a star-studded Team India. It is a historic series win for Kiwis as India were never beaten 3-0 at home before.

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New Zealand Captain Tom Latham On Beating India In India

Skipper Tom Latham's joy knew no bounds after leing New Zealand to historic 3-0 clean sweep over India in three-match Test series, saying his players rose to occasion by being aggressive with bat and proactive with ball.

India faced a humiliating 0-3 defeat at home for first time ever after losing third Test by 25 runs. Set a target of 147, India were all out for 121.

"Very very ecstatic. Looking back at start of series and to be in this position, boys have done a very good job and to finally to do it here in Mumbai, we were challenged with bat and ball. Very happy," Latham said at post-match presentation ceremony.

"Just being able to apt to each ground. re is no one way of doing things - seamers did job in Bangalore, different guys stood up at different times. More contributions we were looking for.

"Last week it was Mitch (Mitchell), this time it was Ajaz (Patel). We wanted to come here and try and fire a few shots. Tried to be aggressive with bat, be proactive and with ball, keep it simple." New Zealand came into series after losing 0-2 to Sri Lanka in an away rubber, but Latham said y didn't play bly against Islanders.

"I don't think we played all that b over re. Fell on right side of toss in se conditions and put enough runs on board. When you are chasing a target on a tricky wicket, it is important to have runs on board." He also lauded New Zealand women's team for winning recently-concluded T20 World Cup .

"Girls winning World Cup was fantastic, being in this position, we can only brag once we get to this position," Latham said.

Player-of--match Ajaz Patel, who returned with a rich match haul of 11 for 160, said he just focused on exploiting pitch and was confident of tossing ball up, which paid dividends.

"Spin bowling is about rhythm. When you are in rhythm it is about making most of it. I felt confident even in morning session (on day two) but wicket did not offer me much.

"After lunch I got confidence to toss it up and use my guile. He's (Pant) batted phenomenally throughout series, I h to think out of box and me sure to come up with a new plan and stay ahe of him," he said.

Will Young was named player-of--series for his 244 runs in three matches.

"One win was huge but to go again and again was huge. I tried to keep it simple, at times I need to trust my defence and at times I need to work out where I want to score," he said.

“Memories with boys we have created with boys. We go back and enjoy each or's company.”

(With inputs from PTI)