This marked England’s first home series defeat since 2021 and their first loss in a series of three tests or more on home ground in 14 years.
“It’s disappointing to lose,” remarked England coach Brendon McCullum.
“For much of this test, we played well, but we were outperformed by a New Zealand team that was relentless in all aspects of the game.
New Zealand excels at doing the basics exceptionally well for extended periods and also capitalizes on critical moments.”
England’s slim hopes of a remarkable run chase were dashed in the fourth over of the day when they lost two wickets in five balls.
Emilio Gay, batting at number six after Stokes opted to open, was the first to fall, edging a good delivery from Smith to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell for 10.
Just four balls later, Joe Root was run out for 18 by Henry Nicholls at backward point. Nicholls executed a fantastic piece of fielding, hitting one stump off balance as he fell, but it was an ill-considered run as Jamie Smith tried to get off the mark.
Smith, returning to the England side after missing the second test for paternity leave, fought hard alongside Surrey teammate Gus Atkinson, combining for 75 runs for the seventh wicket.
However, Atkinson was dismissed lbw for 19 by spinner Mitchell Santner just before lunch, and shortly after Jofra Archer was caught behind, another run out occurred—this time Santner’s direct hit took out Josh Tongue.
Smith was the last man dismissed, caught at long-on off Santner for 60 from 91 balls, as England was all out for 212 in a sparsely filled ground.
