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 bowled England to a commanding victory in the first Test against New Zealand, underlining his status as a rising star in Christchurch. Carse caught the eye on unhelpful pitches in Pakistan in his debut series, but showcased the full extent of his match-winning abilities with a 10-wicket haul in Christchurch.