Ben Stokes' international cricket career concluded with a series defeat as New Zealand clinched the third Test at Trent Bridge by 160 runs, securing the series 2-1.
The match, which was Stokes' last as an England player, saw the touring side comfortably defend their target on the final day. England, chasing 373, were dismissed for 212.
New Zealand's victory, achieved despite a squad depleted by injuries, marks their fourth series win in England and the first for a visiting team in 14 years. The Black Caps were the last visiting side to win a series in England in 2021.
Stokes' four-year captaincy ends with his first home series defeat. England's loss continues a challenging period, with seven defeats in nine Tests and no series win since 2024. The team is scheduled to begin a white-ball series against India on Wednesday.
Match Summary
New Zealand posted scores of 438 and 288/9 declared in their innings. England responded with 354 in their first innings and were bowled out for 212 in their second. Key contributions for New Zealand included centuries from Devon Conway and Tom Latham in the first innings, and a century from Daryl Mitchell and 94 from Rachin Ravindra in the second. For England, Zac Crawley scored 113 and Alex Lees contributed 74 in the first innings. In the second innings, Joe Root was run out, and Jamie Smith scored a half-century before being dismissed. Henry Nicholls and Mitchell Santner were noted for direct hits that resulted in run-outs.
The series result highlights a period of transition for the England team, with questions likely to arise regarding the management structure as they prepare for upcoming fixtures in a demanding international calendar.