New Zealand crushed England by 423 runs on the fourth day of the third test in Hamilton on Tuesday to claim a consolation victory and send Tim Southee out a winner in his final match.
England, who had already sealed the series by winning the first two tests, crumbled to 234 all out after lunch in its improbable chase for 658 runs to sweep the series.
Captain Ben Stokes, who is being treated for a left hamstring injury sustained on Monday, did not bat in England’s second innings to further hasten the conclusion.
The end came swiftly with England, who looked determined to go down fighting before the break, losing its last three wickets in 12 deliveries for the addition of three runs.
Mitchell Santner (4-85) was named Player of the Match after ripping through the England tail to give New Zealand its biggest-ever win by runs and inflict the fourth-worst defeat by runs on the tourists.
“It’s obviously pleasing to finish in that…
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