England series ratings: Which batter has emerged as a good headache to have? Who proved to be the best bowler on either side? And which star reminded us all of his enduring greatness?
England may have been absolutely hammered by New Zealand in the third and final Test of the three-match series, but going home with a first series win since 2008 is a fine achievement for Ben Stokes and Co.
The captain himself has left his native country with questions over his future as a true international all-rounder after suffering another hamstring problem while bowling.
There were some impressive performances with the bat across the order, with both Harry Brook and Joe Root among the barrels, while Ollie Pope’s positional shift looked to pay dividends as he acted as a depute behind the stumps.
The introduction of Jacob Bethell at number 3 caused quite a stir on social media, but it proved to be a very smart decision from Brendon McCullum and Stokes, although there were others who didn’t quite live up to the standards we’ve seen them capable of in recent times . series.
But who shone brightest across the three tests? Who returns home after a difficult series? And has anyone furthered his case to start against Zimbabwe in England’s next one-off Test?
Here, Mail Sport pundit LAWRENCE BOOTH tells us who played in New Zealand and who had a series to forget.
Captain Ben Stokes and England recorded a first series victory in New Zealand since 2008
However, the tourists suffered a thumping defeat in the final Test – the farewell of Tim Southee
Here Lawrence Booth manages the visitors and rates their performance in the series
1 Bag Crawley
Couldn’t attack Matt Henry except when he gave him a return catch or an edge to slip. However, it won’t bother England.
5.5 Ben Duckett
His only significant innings – 92 in Wellington – came with a big lead in England. Sometimes he sold his wicket too cheaply.
8 Jacob Bethel
When he was drafted at No. 3, to the horror of social media, he cut a less frantic figure than Pope, ticking off a trio of second-inning half-centuries. A good headache for England.
7 Joe Root
Averaged under 12 in the first innings and – when the pressure was off – 91 in the second. But Test century No. 36 was a reminder of his greatness.
Zak Crawley could not beat Matt Henry, who removed him six times in the series
Jacob Bethell answered the critics nicely before the series and ticked off three half-centuries
Joe Root’s 36th Test century was a sign of his continued class despite a poor first-innings average
8 Harry Brook
Scored match-winning centuries in the two live Tests, in Christchurch and Wellington, before O’Rourke reduced him to mortality in Hamilton.
7 Ollie Pope
Played an important second fiddle to Brook in the two wins, scoring 77 and 66, and kept the wicket well. But loses a point for a ridiculous shot on the last day at Hamilton.
7 Ben Stokes
Averaged 52 with the bat and scored seven wickets but overbowled himself in the dead third Test and now faces another fitness crisis after hurting his hamstring.
6.5 Chris Woakes
Broke New Zealand’s second innings in Christchurch by dismissing Williamson and Blundell in two balls. The Kookaburra fared better than many expected.
Harry Brook scored match-winning centuries in both victories before returning to mortality in Hamilton
Stokes’ run ended with injury, but the England captain averaged 52 with the bat
Gus Atkinson’s first year as a Test cricketer could hardly have gone better and he bagged a hat-trick in Wellington
Brydon Carse was the star of the tour as the best bowler on both sides, just like in Pakistan
7.5 Guus Atkinson
He continued his great first year in Test with a hat-trick in Wellington, where he also made useful runs.
9 Brydon Auto
Just like in Pakistan, the best bowler on both sides. His elaboration of Williamson in Wellington was one of the highlights of the tour.
6.5 Matthew Potts
Wayward at times in his only Test, in Hamilton, but picked up four wickets, and is in the mix as the Ashes workhorse.
4 Shoaib Bashir
Started with a four-for in Christchurch, but his next three innings gave him four wickets on 86. Australia won’t be worried just yet.