New Zealand’s historic 3-0 Test series victory on Indian soil has been hailed as a monumental achievement by former captain Daniel Vettori, who termed it the country’s greatest feat in cricket. Ex-pacer Shane Bond echoed similar sentiments, expressing disbelief at the team’s dominant performance, saying that a clean sweep was beyond their “wildest dreams”.

Also Read: ‘He’s Worthy’: Kaif Names Only Indian Player Good Enough To Succeed Rohit Sharma As Test Captain

Daniel Vettori, Shane Bond laud the New Zealand team for historic Test series win

India’s humiliating series whitewash, which culminated in a 25-run loss in the third Test in Mumbai, marked a first in their Test history dating back to 1933. The Black Caps’ triumph is all the more remarkable considering they arrived in India after a 0-2 thrashing by a transitioning Sri Lankan team. Furthermore, they were without their star batter, Kane Williamson , due to injury, making their achievement even more impressive.

“The expectation for any touring team that goes to India on these types of wickets is that it’s going to be incredibly difficult. We understand the challenge and in a lot of ways it’s just how are you going to compete against them.

“… given the history with two Test match wins in almost 80 years and a lot of trying. You have to go back to the great Sir Richard Hadlee’s era, and he could only get one win,” Vettori, a spin great, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“So for this team to come here and get that first one and then to win a series is probably New Zealand cricket’s greatest.”

For former express pacer Shane Bond too, it was not difficult to acknowledge it as the best result ever result for New Zealand in Test cricket.

“No other team has come and done what New Zealand have. When you talk to all the teams about touring India, it almost seems like mission impossible. Even the great Australian team came there and couldn’t win.

Also Read: International Calendar Packed But Seniors Also Need To Show ‘Intent’ For Ranji Trophy

“So for NZ to have won 3-0, I know they’ve made World Cup finals and would have loved to have won an ODI World Cup , but I think in terms of red-ball cricket, alongside the WTC , this is far and away the best series result ever.

“I don’t think anyone, anywhere, especially at home, thought we could win this series, let alone a 3-0 sweep.”

(With PTI inputs)