Ben Duckett - 4

Showed positive form with a smooth 36 from 25 balls before a run-out mix-up with his opening partner ended his first innings. Gifted his wicket cheaply during the chase.

Emilio Gay - 5

Demonstrated resilience with a determined half-century in the opening innings - England's highest score - and has earned further opportunities in the team.

Jacob Bethell - 3

Following modest scores of six and 14 at Lord's, the 22-year-old managed nine and zero, highlighting clear rustiness in the longer format due to limited red-ball experience. Took some useful wickets with the ball, yet doubts remain about his fit at number three.

Joe Root - 6

Became just the second player to reach 14,000 Test runs via 77 in the second innings, keeping England in slim contention while at the crease. Overall it proved a tough return to the captaincy role.

Harry Brook - 5

Produced an attractive half-century in the second innings that pleased spectators on Saturday, yet England required a substantial hundred of real substance from him in difficult conditions.

James Rew - 3

Appeared somewhat overwhelmed on debut. Glimpses of potential came in knocks of 24 and 15, but missed chances behind the stumps showed his keeping still requires refinement.

Jordan Cox - 4

The composure needed for Test cricket seemed largely present, even though scores of 27 and 25 failed to make a major impact.

Jofra Archer - 7

England's standout performer. Delivered several rapid spells that troubled New Zealand's batters and restored belief that a comeback was possible. Deserved more than five wickets overall.

Matthew Fisher - 6

Gave full effort throughout. Produced a resolute half-century in a lower-order recovery to keep England competitive and maintained disciplined lines with the ball under pressure.

Josh Tongue - 5

Viewed as England's main strike bowler, he had his moments yet could not deliver the decisive influence on the match he sought.

Sonny Baker - 5

Modest figures on debut, though indications emerged that he possesses the pace, ability and temperament to succeed at international level in time.

Tom Latham - 6

Continued to find runs hard to come by at the top with an average of 8.5 across four innings this series, but led calmly and effectively in the field.

Devon Conway - 2

A subdued outing for the left-handed opener who failed to find any rhythm with the bat across both innings.

Henry Nicholls - 8

Tasked with filling Kane Williamson's role, his first Test century in England during the second innings proved decisive in securing New Zealand's win.

Rachin Ravindra - 6

Produced attractive strokeplay alongside the steadier Nicholls and punished England for dropping him. Also put down chances while fielding.

Daryl Mitchell - 7

Built a reputation as New Zealand's crisis man, and here he displayed calm resolve to undermine England's position.

Tom Blundell - 7

Outstanding behind the stumps, particularly standing up to the wicket. Added a gritty half-century with the bat.

Glenn Phillips - 8

Became only the third New Zealander to score centuries in all three formats with a fluent hundred at a key moment early on, just as England looked to take control.

Nathan Smith - 5

Managed just one wicket in the match and struggled to exert real influence.

Kyle Jamieson - 6

An important spell on Saturday that dismissed Gay and Bethell in quick succession shifted momentum firmly toward New Zealand. Contributed useful lower-order runs in the first innings.

Will O'Rourke - 6

Added occasional pace when Latham sought extra speed.

Matt Henry - 9

A commanding performance from a highly skilled bowler who stood out on both sides. Claimed the player-of-the-match award after taking two five-fors and 11 wickets overall, including Root and Brook in each innings.