WELLINGTON, Dec 08 (AFP): An aggressive England dominated almost from start to finish to thrash New Zealand by 323 runs on Sunday in the second Test and emphatically win the series with a match to go.
Joe Root scored a century before England's bowlers knocked over New Zealand for 259 in the final session of day three in Wellington, clinching a series on New Zealand soil for the first time since 2008.
As with their eight-wicket loss in Christchurch, New Zealand were outplayed for long periods, although Tom Blundell showed some late resistance with a century as he fought bravely in the unlikely pursuit of a winning target of 583.
The wicketkeeper was dismissed for 115 soon after tea, caught brilliantly by slip Ben Duckett off spinner Shoaib Bashir to spark a tail-order collapse.
Nathan Smith (42) and Matt Henry (4) both fell to Ben Stokes (3-5) before the England skipper removed Tim Southee (8), caught in the deep in the game's final act. Stokes said it was "amazing" to win the series playing the sort of front-foot style they have made a trademark under his leadership.
He praised Harry Brook's "bravery" in his thrilling first-day knock of 123 which swung the momentum after New Zealand's seamers claimed four early scalps.
"That wicket is what we call a snakepit, especially on day one, it was doing plenty," Stokes said at the Basin Reserve.
"For Brooky to have the bravery and the backing of his own ability -- but to also have the skill to go out and play like that -- was just absolutely phenomenal.
"Brooky thought that putting the pressure back on the New Zealand bowlers was exactly what was needed, knocking them off their length."
With England sensing a quick victory, Root set the tone on day three by posting his 36th century before being dismissed for 106, prompting a declaration half an hour after the resumption with England 427-6.
New Zealand, who have looked nothing like the side that recently stunned India 3-0 away, limped to 59-4 at lunch in response.
