New Zealand vs England: Ben Stokes’ team clinches the series by winning the second Test in Wellington

England clinched the series over New Zealand with an emphatic 323-run win inside three days of the second Test in Wellington.

After giving the home side a mammoth total of 583 runs, England faced strong winds, the threat of rain and a stormy 115 from Tom Blundell.

Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse left New Zealand at 59-4 before Blundell began a poor day by attacking off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.

The wicketkeeper hit four sixes off Bashir until his attempt to sweep the same bowler was brilliantly caught by the speedy Ben Duckett from the slips.

Ben Stokes took 3-5, his best Test figures in more than two years, as New Zealand were bowled out for 259.

England’s victory margin against New Zealand is the biggest in terms of runs. This gave Stokes’ team their first series win abroad in two years and their first win in this country since 2008.

England already had the match in their hands on Sunday when they resumed their second innings with 378-5 and a lead of 533.

Joe Root, who remained unbeaten on 73 overnight, brought up his 36th Test century with a trademark reverse-scoop off fast bowler Will O’Rourke.

Root was out for 106 in the same over, forcing England to declare at 427-6. Stokes remained unbeaten after scoring 49 runs.

A small concern for England is the fitness of Harry Brook, who did not take the field on Sunday as a precaution due to an ankle injury.

England will have a chance to complete a clean sweep in the third Test in Hamilton on Saturday (22:00 GMT Friday).