New Zealand defeated England by a staggering 423 runs on Tuesday at Seddon Park, Hamilton, securing a consolation win in the final Test of the series.
The victory, which came in Tim Southee's farewell match on his home ground, allowed the Black Caps to finish the series on a high note after suffering heavy defeats in the first two matches.
Coming off an impressive 3-0 series sweep in India, New Zealand had been outplayed in Christchurch and Wellington but rediscovered their form in Hamilton.
Their dominant win is the largest by runs in New Zealand's history, while also marking England's fourth-worst defeat by the same measure.
Mitchell Santner claimed Player of the Match honors with his remarkable performance of 4-85 and a total of seven wickets in the match.
He also contributed with the bat, scoring 76 and 49 in the first and second innings, respectively.
However, it was a collective team effort that led to the resounding win. Captain Tom Latham praised the team’s ability to adapt to the conditions at Seddon Park.
"To finish in that fashion is obviously pleasing," Latham said. "We knew we weren't quite at our best in the first two games, but the way we adapted here was very pleasing."
Southee, who was playing his final Test, took two wickets in his last innings to bring his career tally to 391, the second-highest for a New Zealander, behind the legendary Richard Hadlee.
"It’s certainly sad to see one of the greats leave, but Tim has a bright future ahead of him in whatever he chooses," Latham added, as Southee was honored by Hadlee post-match.
Chasing an improbable target of 658, England’s hopes of a clean sweep were dashed as they were bowled out for 234 after lunch on day four.
Captain Ben Stokes, battling a left hamstring injury, did not bat in England’s second innings, which further hastened their defeat.
New Zealand’s bowlers, including Santner and the impressive Will O’Rourke, dismantled England's top order.
O’Rourke, who had been impressive throughout the series, added to his tally by dismissing Joe Root for 54 and Harry Brook for just one run in the second innings.
His dismissal of Brook for a golden duck in the first innings further highlighted his growing reputation as a key bowler for New Zealand’s future.
Despite the crushing defeat, England had some notable performances. Jacob Bethell continued his promising start to Test cricket with a knock of 76 before becoming Southee’s final Test victim.
Root’s 65th half-century was another bright spot, but England's star batter, Harry Brook, could not replicate his earlier series heroics.
Brook, who was named Player of the Series for his two centuries and 350 runs, struggled to make an impact in Hamilton, falling early in both innings.
Although England was clearly disappointed with the series finale, they can take solace in their victory in the first two Tests, which secured their first series win in New Zealand since 2008.
"Obviously, it’s disappointing to finish the way we have, but the first two Test matches are where it really counted for us," said Stokes. "That’s where we played our best cricket."
With the retirement of Southee and Trent Boult looming, New Zealand will look to O'Rourke and other young seamers to continue their legacy.
England, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back as they look to evolve their bowling attack following the departures of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
- Tim Southee
- Ben Stokes
