New Zealand thumped England by an innings and 65 runs in first of the two-Tests at the Bay Oval.
Resuming on 55/3, England needed to bat through the day to save the Test match but were bowled out for 197 with 21.4 overs remaining in Mount Maunganui.
Joe Denly scored 35 runs off 142 deliveries, and Ben Stokes made 28 off 84, but no batsman could produce a defining innings.
Fast bowler Neil Wagner took a superb 5-44 and Mitchell Santner 3-53 as the Black Caps secured a 1-0 series lead.
Earlier, Rory Burns (52), Joe Denly (74), Stokes (91) had slammed crucial half-centuries to help England post a formidable total of 353 runs in the first innings. Still, the duo’s efforts were outshone by New Zealand wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling (205) and all-rounder Santner (126).
Brief Scores:
England 353 (Ben Stokes 91, Joe Denly 74; Tim Southee 4-88, Colin de Grandhomme 2-41) and 161/8 (Joe Denly 35, Rory Burns 31; Mitchell Santner 3-40, Neil Wagner 3-40) trail New Zealand 615/9 declared (BJ Watling 205, Mitchell Santner 126; Sam Curran 3-119) by 101 runs.
The second and final Test will be played from Thursday onwards at the Seddon Park in Hamilton.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Why would you want to win a Test that isn’t part of the Test championship …… !!! 😜😜😜😜😜 #NZvENG
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) November 25, 2019
Kiwis beat Pomms n 1st Test w/plenty to spare..& sans all frills (read noise!) in good Old fashioned matured manner..’twas lovely to see a game o Crkt in its original glory o quiet piousness..Thx to #NZ Capt’s cool head boorish behaviour is kept at bay well and truly..!!!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) November 25, 2019
England 353 in 1st innings and New Zealand were 4/127 at one stage with Kane dismissed and NZ win by an innings and 65 runs from that possition, incredible comeback. Watling's inns outstanding, Kane Williamson the best captain at present. Played @BLACKCAPS 👏 #NZvENG
— Daniel Alexander (@daniel86cricket) November 25, 2019
For his sensational maiden Test double hundred, New Zealand's BJ Watling is adjudged Player of the Match! #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/01yS66HZgK
— ICC (@ICC) November 25, 2019
There is no better sight in cricket when a left-arm pacer destroys a batting line-up. Yes, I am a bit biased:) Well done @NeilWagner13 for a match winning 5 wicket haul. Take as many you can now mate but it won't be that easy in February against India! #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/unD1tkd4vG
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) November 25, 2019
Cheers 🤝 @englandcricket #NZvENG #cricketnation pic.twitter.com/K3WURWTfef
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 25, 2019
Congratulations to #AUSvPAK #INDvBAN #NZLvENG making history in test cricket today. 1st time Three test matches played over the same weekend have all finished in an Innings defeat. #cricket #ICC
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) November 25, 2019
New Zealand's star performers of the match:
1. BJ Watling – 205 (Player of the match)
2. Mitchell Santner – 126 and 3/53 in 2nd innings
3. Neil Wagner – 5/44 in 2nd innings #NZvENG— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 25, 2019
The last team before England to lose a Test match in New Zealand after electing to bat first was Sri Lanka in Dec 2006 (Christchurch).
Between these two defeats, 5 wins and 7 draws out of 12 for the teams electing to bat in NZ. #NZvENG
— Sampath Bandarupalli (@SampathStats) November 25, 2019
