New Zealand on Sunday defeated England by eight wickets in the second and the final Test to win the series 1-0.
This was after England were bowled out for 122 in their second innings, giving Kiwis a target of 38 to win the Edgbaston Test and the two-match series. They achieved the target by losing just two wickets and five sessions to spare.
This was England’s first home series defeat since 2014. As for New Zealand, this was their first success in 22 years. Their morale-boosting win couldn’t have at a better place since they face India next week in the World Test Championship final.
The first Test at the Lord’s had ended in a draw.
Reacting to his side’s defeat, English skipper Joe Root told BBC, “A lot of the problems are mental, and having clarity on how you want to play and how you’re going to deal with different situations is very important. You can do a lot of your batting without actually facing any deliveries. It is understanding that side of your game.”
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson said, “I feel great. A fantastic performance and a strong one in the first Test as well. It was good to improve on it here, with both bat and ball.”
Scores in brief:
England 303 (Burns 81, Lawrence 81*) & 122 (Wagner 3-18, Henry 3-36)
New Zealand 388 (Young 82, Conway 80, Taylor 80, Broad 4-48) & 41-2
New Zealand won by eight wickets
