How England's players rated in Test series defeat to New Zealand

Rory Burns

Continued on an upward curve after the Ashes with a streaky half-century at Mount Maunganui before a determined hundred at Hamilton - after being dropped twice. Loses a mark because of his unnecessary second-innings dismissal at the Bay Oval as England attempted to save the game. 7 (out of 10).

Dom Sibley

The Test debutant endured something of a baptism of fire. While he saw off the new ball on his maiden outing for England, he looked uncomfortable under the short ball and his tendency to favour the leg side twice led to his downfall. Took a stellar catch at gully in the opener to see off Colin De Grandhomme. 5

Joe Denly

Battled stoutly and with no lack of patience in both innings at Mount Maunganui but yet to record a hundred to really cement his spot. Got a good ball at Hamilton, where he dropped a dolly to reprieve Kane Williamson on the last day, a moment which will haunt him for a while. 6

Joe Root

The wagons were circling as the Yorkshireman recorded just 13 runs in the series opener which dumped him out of the International Cricket Council's top 10 Test batsmen. His class on an unresponsive surface told with a magnificent 226 that should temporarily quieten his critics. 8

Ben Stokes

May rue his unnecessary downfall for 91 in the first Test which precipitated a batting collapse and swung momentum in New Zealand's favour. Willing as ever but the sight of him struggling with his left knee at Seddon Park was a concern, even if it was only a fleeting issue. 6

Ollie Pope

Dismissed in bizarre and frustrating fashion as England battled to save the Test last week but took on wicketkeeping duties at short notice at Hamilton and fared well, despite also dropping Williamson on the last day. Also batted within himself in a Test-best 75 during a crucial stand with Root. 6

Zak Crawley

Was handed an unexpected Test debut at Hamilton because of Jos Buttler's back spasm but contributed just one run - a hurried single, where he nearly ran himself out - and was a liability in the field on a couple of occasions. 4

Jos Buttler

Put England back into contention for 400 in the first innings at Mount Maunganui only to hole out, perhaps needlessly when Jack Leach was comfortable at the other end. Not entirely tidy on his return behind the stumps and ruled out of the second Test because of a back injury while training at the gym. 5

Sam Curran

Was his usual bustling self and, surprisingly, England's leading wicket-taker with six scalps at 39.66. It is a decent analysis while he was not the only bowler who struggled with a lack of movement through the air or off the pitch. 6

Chris Woakes

Initially overlooked in favour of the left-arm angle of Curran, the Warwickshire bowling all-rounder responded with four wickets at 23.75 at Hamilton, including key men Williamson and Ross Taylor in the first innings. Was up on pace and should have done enough to earn a squad place for South Africa. 7

Jofra Archer

After his stratospheric rise in the World Cup and Ashes, the fast bowler was brought back down to earth on a challenging first overseas trip. Tried his hardest but could not replicate the rapid pace he showed over the summer and a combined two for 209 showed how much he struggled with the flat surfaces and the Kookaburra ball. 5

Jack Leach

Out-bowled by fellow left-arm spinner Mitch Santner at Mount Maunganui, Leach was perhaps unfairly dropped as England went with an all-seam frontline attack at Hamilton. Ended the tour with a bout of gastroenteritis. 5

Stuart Broad

Wicketless but economical in the opener, Broad proved he can still thrive on the most docile of surfaces with a haul of four for 73 in the second Test that helped England's push for a series-levelling victory. 6