New Zealand vs England: Hosts crush 423-run win in Tim Southee’s final Test

England’s year ended with a resounding defeat by New Zealand, which saw seamer Tim Southee retire with a consolation win in the third and final Test.

With an imaginative 658, England were bowled out for 234 midway through the fourth afternoon to lose by 423 runs, their biggest defeat to the Black Caps by runs and the fourth biggest by anyone.

Jacob Bethell further enhanced his growing reputation with 76 as he got through an electrifying spell by New Zealand pace bowler Will O’Rourke.

Bethell added 104 with Joe Root making 54. With Root out Harry Brook perished to O’Rourke for one and wickets fell with regularity in Hamilton.

The lowest was vice-captain Ollie Pope being sent off for 17 attempts on a reverse scoop on Matt Henry.

Captain Ben Stokes, who suffered a recurrence of a left hamstring injury on day three, did not bat. He was expected to have a scan ahead of the fourth day, but will instead be assessed on Wednesday.

England’s last over, with their last four wickets falling for 19 runs, meant Southee was not required to bowl after lunch.

He instead led his team from the field and the 36-year-old ended a 16-year career of 107 Tests with 391 wickets.

England still win the series 2-1. They will embark on a white-ball program after Christmas before the Test summer begins against Zimbabwe in May.