NZ thrash Eng by innings and 49 runs in first Test

The Black Caps on Monday thrashed the English cricket team by an innings and 49 runs in the first Test of the two-match series, here at the Eden Park, as England's abominable overseas record continued.

England had suffered a major blow when it lost its captain Joe Root on the last ball of the fourth day, as it strove to save the Test, trailing New Zealand by 237 runs at the close of play.

With seven wickets in hand heading into the final day, the visitors lost Dawid Malan (23), Jonny Bairstow (26) and Moeen Ali (28) in the first session before Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes battled through the middle session.

Stokes, 66 off 264 balls, and Woakes, 52 off 164 balls, kept England's chances alive of drawing the match.

However, Neil Wagner, dismissed them both to take his side to a comfortable victory.

Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, and Todd Astle picked up three wickets each in the second innings.

Tim Southee scalped one.

Trent Boult was declared the Man of the Match for claiming nine wickets in the match.

The second Test will be played from March 30 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.