sport news Rob Key was right, it's one hell of a ride, as England seal a record breaking ... trends now
What did Rob Key say when he appointed Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum to attempt to revive England's Test cricket? Strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride? Well, Rob, we are certainly doing that.
This record-breaking victory over India, following three equally impressive wins against New Zealand, has been fabulous to watch.
It is incredible now to think there were questions asked about all three of the big appointments made by England earlier this year when they decided they had to move on from managing director Ashley Giles, Joe Root as captain and Chris Silverwood as coach.
England record-breaking victory over India, following three impressive wins over New Zealand
When Key was appointed there were people who said 'what does he know about administration? He's never done it.' Well, it looks to me as if Key has done alright with the decisions he has made so far.
There were questions over whether Ben Stokes would succeed as captain and comparisons made with other great all-rounders like Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff who perhaps didn't make the greatest of leaders.
Well, he's not Botham or Flintoff, he's Ben Stokes and he is proving himself to be a brilliant leader of his country.
Rob Key (left) has got his decisions right so far after appointing Brendon McCullum (right)
Equally, there were those who questioned how Key could appoint a coach in McCullum who had never been in charge of a red-ball side.
Well, he played 101 Tests, once made a 13-hour triple century and revolutionised New Zealand's Test cricket when he was captain.
Clearly, these were very good decisions and very good appointments but I don't think any of us could possibly know quite how good it would be this summer and quite how rapid would England's improvement be.
Root and Jonny Bairstow epitomise what this transformation of England is all about. Their approach is not about being reckless.
Joe Root (pictured) and Jonny Bairstow epitomise what this transformation of England is about
It is not about swinging from the hip. It is a totally positive mind-set with enjoyment of the game being at the heart of it.
McCullum has ensured England are not fearful about the game. They are not
