Abject England end Stokes era with rare home series defeat by New Zealand

. UK edition

Joe Root is run out during the final day of the third Test between England and New Zealand
Joe Root (left) was run out during the final day of the third Test following superb fielding by Henry Nicholls. Photograph: Philip Brown/Getty Images

New Zealand ended England’s resistance for a 160-run victory in the third and final Test to secure a 2-1 series victory

New Zealand won a Test series in England for the fourth time by wrapping up a 160-run victory in the third Test at Trent Bridge on Monday, bringing an end to the international career of England’s captain, Ben Stokes.

Resuming on 103 for four and chasing an unlikely 373 to win, England were dismissed for 212 soon after lunch on day five as New Zealand clinched the series 2-1.

The New Zealanders’ other series wins on English soil were in 1986, 1999 and in 2021 — the latter being in a two-match series.

Stokes announced on Sunday he would be stepping down as England captain after four years after this Test, and also retiring from the international game after 15 years with the national team. He was dismissed for 30 late on Sunday after opening the batting.

It was England’s first defeat in a home series of three or more Tests since 2012. They have lost seven of their last nine Tests, a streak that piles the pressure on the leadership team of the coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key.