England take the series but haven't managed to finish the tour well with New Zealand registering a thumping win in this final Test. Still, the performances from Harry Brook, and that of their seam-bowling trio led by Brydon Carse in the first two Tests were hugely impressive. Beating New Zealand in their own backyard is no mean feat and the visitors have good reason to be pleased with their efforts. New Zealand, meanwhile, will look back on a lot of missed opportunities and the catches that went down. Could've been the difference in the end. That is all we have from here. Hope you enjoyed our coverage. It's a goodbye from Sagar Chawla on behalf of Venky, Saurabh Shankar and Kumar Abhisekh Das.
Southee receives a plaque and leads the team off the field, ending a Test career that sees him finish as New Zealand's second highest wicket-taker behind the great Richard Hadlee. Made his debut in 2008 and went on to become one of the lynchpins of their bowling attack, forming a lethal new ball combo with Trent Boult. Only apt that he gets to finish on a high with a win under the bag.
Farewell, Tim… Since 1877, not too many players have had the distinction of picking up 5 wickets and tonking 9 sixes in their debut Test. But one uber talented Kiwi did achieve this feat in his maiden Test. Thy name is Tim Southee. Coming good in big games is something that isn't new to Mr. Southee. In the 2008 U19 semis, Tim Southee battled odds and gave NZ a sniff with a four-fer. The same batch gave rise to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult. Tim (Player of the Series for that edition) was a worthy graduate as well who glittered the International scene for years. He continued to pocket accolades over his decorated 16 years at the top level. He would be a puppeteer at home with the new ball and became an apprentice with the old ball to make it behave as if tied to a leash. Playing most of his cricket while the rest of the world slept, Tim Southee’s performances often did enough to awaken even the harshest critics. With this retirement, it is perhaps the end of an era of the true blue three format playing fast bowler as well. The ‘camel’ has done his time in the desert, it is a moment now for him to go home…
Southee: Thank you Sir Richard for those kind words. And congratulations England on a series win. As always, played in great spirit and a side I've enjoyed playing over the years. Taking this opportunity to thank a few people. First New Zealand Cricket, for everything you've done over the last 17 years. Much appreciated. Family. They're the ones there for the ride through the ups and downs. Teammates - made the ride so enjoyable, and support staff as well. Would like to thank the fans. Always great to turn out in front of numbers, and this week's been pretty special at Seddon Park to play in front of great crowds. Thank you. Look forward to watching on as a fan. All the best boys.
Stokes receives the Crowe-Thorpe trophy from Amanda Thorpe. He goes over to his teammates as they pose for the photographs. There's now a special presentation for Tim Southee, and it will be led by none other than the legendary Richard Hadlee. He says how he was a part of the selection panel in 2008 that picked Southee for his first Test against England. What a journey it's been.
Stokes, England captain: We created a lot of chances on Day 1. Probably didn't get it as right as we would've liked to. We created a lot of chances and we felt like NZ had to really dig in to get through that opening period which they did really well. Have to give credit to the two opening batters there. I think when you're hitting the wicket hard with fresh legs - that's when it's the most dangerous for the seam bowlers. Obviously not ideal spending time in the field and then going back out there (for the bowlers). Not ideal to end the tour on this note. But we've come here against a NZ team that's very strong - full of confidence after beating India in India. To lift that trophy in the end proves we've played very good cricket. We want to come out and win every game we play. Wanted to leave here with three wins in the bag. It's obviously disappointing as a team to finish like we have done. But when you look back at this - it was in 2008 when an England team has come and beat NZ which proves how tough they are. Very happy with the series win. It is what it is.
Latham, NZ captain: We weren't quite at our best in the first couple of games but the way we came here on a wicket that's been slightly different to the first couple, the way we were able to adapt to the surface was quite pleasing. We spoke about that after the first game (dropped catches). That's the game we play. We managed to get England in those positions in every first innings. But in the first two games we weren't able to capitalise. Last couple of days with the bat, we spoke about trying to put partnerships together. Partnerships after partnerships. Quite pleasing. After the first day we thought we lost a few too many than we would've liked. Never know what a good score is before both teams have batted on it. Wickets, runs and sixes sort of speak for themselves (talking about Southee). The legacy that Tim is leaving will obviously be a pleasing one for him. He's been a massive member of the team for such a long period of time. The person he is, we'll obviously miss his attributes on the field. Great team man. The guys love playing with him. Been so long, 17 years, half his life. Certainly leaving one of the greats behind. Want to congratulate him on an amazing career.
Brook, Player of the Series: Just opens up different areas to score (playing in NZ). There's quite a bit of bounce on these pitches this time around. And I felt like I scored quite well square of the wicket. No, still trying to enjoy my cricket - work hard and keep getting better everyday. I used the counter punch well - in the second game especially. Thankfully it came off.
Santner, Player of the Match: You might get the odd ground in NZ where it might spin a touch. Have to be ready for those Tests I guess. That little period - we just tried to make it as tough as we can and keep them out there. In Test cricket we talk about trying to bring the bowlers back for spells and spells. On the flip side, it's not nice as a bowler.
The win was set up by a brilliant bowling effort in the first innings where they bowled England out for just 143
14:16 Local Time, 01:16 GMT, 06:46 IST: They may have lost the series, but New Zealand manage to take one back and send their stalwart off into retirement on a winning note.
47.2
Santner to Brydon Carse, out Stumped!! Brydon Carse st Blundell b Santner 11(12) [4s-1 6s-1]
Santner to Brydon Carse, THATS OUT!! Stumped!!
47.1
Santner to Brydon Carse, no run
Stokes isn't in his whites so he clearly won't bat. This is the final wicket.
46.6
Matt Henry to Bashir, no run
46.5
Matt Henry to Bashir, no run, beaten! Good length just outside off,
New Zealand
England
