Vaughan applauds effort

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England captain Michael Vaughan said self belief was behind his team's superb effort after they secured a 3-0 Test series whitewash over New Zealand.

England wrapped up a four-wicket win at Trent Bridge after being set 284 , with Graham Thorpe unbeaten on 104.

"We backed ourselves that whatever they got we could chase. They made it difficult, but there was always belief that we could win the game," he said.

"That comes from winning, and the dressing room is very confident."

A jubilant Vaughan added: "It is a great achievement. I am proud of the team, and they can be very proud of themselves.

"It does not just happen overnight, whitewashing a tough side like New Zealand.

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"It takes a lot of hard work and know-how. This is a really hard-working bunch of guys who just keep going and going - which is a great sign for the future."

Vaughan gave credit to an injury-ravaged New Zealand, who were gutsy to the end, but also the home side, who played extremely well.

He added: "They lost a couple of bowlers which was key, but again we've come out on a Sunday and played some great stuff.

"And full credit to our bowlers. Twenty wickets on that deck was superb and it was also a tremendous effort by Graham Thorpe.

"It was a great series played in the right spirit and could so easily have gone the other way.

"But we have got a couple of special players like Steve Harmison and Andrew Flintoff who can change a game."

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Giles, who took 4-46 and scored 81 unbeaten runs in the two innings, paid tribute to the England selectors for keeping faith with him.

He said: "I've had a bit of stick recently so it's been fantastic to do a bit in this Test match.

"The lads have performed great in the series and I'd like to say a thank you to the fans, all my mates and the management, who have stuck by me through thick and thin.

"I got a couple of key wickets, it was just nice to contribute. We have got four, five, six fast bowlers so it's nice to get a wicket when I get a go."

All-rounder Andrew Flintoff was optimistic about the team's future, adding: "If we stick together and keep improving, and as long as we stay injury-free, who knows what we could do?"