England’s year ended with a thumping defeat by New Zealand, who sent seamer Tim Southee into retirement with a consolation victory in the third and final Test.
Set a fanciful 658, England were hustled out for 234 midway through the fourth afternoon to lose by 423 runs, their largest defeat by the Black Caps in terms of runs and fourth-largest by anyone.
Jacob Bethell further enhanced his growing reputation with 76, coming through an electrifying spell by New Zealand pace bowler Will O’Rourke.
Bethell added 104 with Joe Root, who made 54. When Root was out, Brook perished to O’Rourke for one and wickets fell with regularity in Hamilton.
The nadir was vice-captain Ollie Pope being bowled for 17 attempting a reverse scoop at Matt Henry.
Captain Ben Stokes, who suffered a recurrence of a left-hamstring injury on day three, did not bat. He had been expected to have a scan prior to the fourth day but will instead be assessed in the coming days.
England’s final demise, 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, the 36-year-old ending a 16-year, 107-Test career with 391 wickets.
England still win the series 2-1. They embark on a white-ball programme after Christmas before the Test summer begins against Zimbabwe in May.
