'Something special' as New Zealand crush England in lop-sided Test

New Zealand said their comprehensive innings victory over England was among their very best after Neil Wagner's five-wicket burst sealed the first Test in Mount Maunganui on Monday.

The tireless left-armer took the last two England wickets in successive balls for a five-wicket haul and to complete the rout by an innings and 65 runs late on the final day.

While England captain Joe Root lamented a disappointing batting effort, and the lack of a bowler with Wagner's application, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson celebrated his side's match-defining innings of 615 for nine declared.

"To lose the toss and be 350 behind in the first innings it required something special," Williamson said.

"It's certainly right up there in terms of a tough, grinding Test victory."
"England have experience and some world-class players who've batted out draws before. If they were better than us today they were going to be able to save it. It did come down to the wire."
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"Clearly some of the shots today were not good. Everyone's very aware of that. You can't fault effort but I put my hand up as well, that ball was treated with far too much respect."
"You have to give credit to guys like Neil Wagner who makes sure he gets the most out of himself and does a really good job for his team."