England’s year ended with a heavy defeat against New Zealand, which sent seaman Tim Southee into retirement after a consolation victory in the third and final Test.
Posting a fancy 658, England were bowled out for 234 midway through the fourth afternoon and lost by 423 runs, which was their biggest defeat to the Black Caps and fourth-biggest of all.
Jacob Bethell further cemented his growing reputation by scoring 76 off an electrifying spell from New Zealand bowler Will O’Rourke.
Bethell added 104 and Joe Root, who scored 54. When Root was out, Brook fell to O’Rourke for one and Hamilton’s wickets fell regularly.
The worst moment came from vice-captain Ollie Pope, who was given 17 points for attempting a reverse tackle on Matt Henry.
Captain Ben Stokes, who re-injured his left hamstring on the third day, did not bat. He was expected to undergo an ultrasound before day four, but will instead be assessed in the coming days.
England’s final defeat, in which the last four wickets fell for 19 runs, meant Southee did not have to bowl after lunch.
Instead, he led his team from the field, with the 36-year-old ending his 16-year 107 Test career with 391 wickets.
England still wins the series 2-1. They begin their white-ball program after Christmas before the Test summer begins against Zimbabwe in May.
