England's performance has made alarm bells go off around the world: McCullum

England kick-started their new era under skipper Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum whitewashing the World Test champions New Zealand at home. They chased down over 250 in all three matches in a comprehensive manner and a lot of credit has been given to the new management for instilling free-flowing cricket.

England had won just one out of their previous 17 Tests before the series and three wins on the bounce now holds them in good sted ahead of the Edgbaston Test against India, starting July 1. 

McCullum said this brand of cricket has got alarm bells ringing all over the world. "The world test champions were a formidable opponent and the alarm bells have probably gone off somewhat around world cricket as to how this team is going to play," McCullum told British media.

"Let's enjoy the moment and see what unfolds in the next little while. It's exciting... I hope we take (this approach) too far because then we'll know exactly where that line is. Until you do that, you're not really sure."

In the Test series, Jonny Bairstow proved to be a thorn in New Zealand's flesh as his 394 runs came at a strike-rate of 120.12, while former skipper Joe Root, continued his impressive form and Stokes also chipped in with valuable 194 runs, playing a crucial role in the 179-run stand in the Trent Bridge Test as they chased down 299 in 50 overs.

“It's early days, but he has exceeded my expectations already. I'm aggressive but he's got me covered, which is saying something," said McCullum of Stokes.

"When we're fielding and he's captaining, he's constantly making plays, which I think is great because it means at least we're in control regardless of what the scoreboard says."

"Then, when he's batting, he's pushing the envelope as well, which is sending a message to not just our dressing room but to other dressing rooms that this is how we're going to play."