New Zealand has battled to delay the inevitable but England eventually hurried to an eight wicket win in the first test and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

England blazed to an eight-wicket victory in the first Test against New Zealand Sunday, knocking off their 104-run target in just 12.4 overs of their second innings.

Brydon Carse took 6-42 as England dismissed New Zealand for 254 on the fourth morning of the first test Sunday, leaving itself a target of only 104 runs to complete a comprehensive win and take a 1-0 series lead.