At Edgbaston, in a low scoring match, an England team without a coach (as David Lloyd has resigned after their exit from the World Cup) surprised themselves by beating New Zealand by 7 wickets.

New Zealand could manage only two more wickets as Hussain, Thorpe and fledgling all-rounder Alex Tudor took England to victory.

New Zealand bowled England out for a paltry 186 on a good batting wicket and then ground out 358 at barely 3 runs per over.

In the third test at Old Trafford, the rain largely saved England as they could only face 68 overs in their 2nd innings.

England therefore needed only 246 to win the match and series but fell well short at 162 with nobody able to stay with Michael Atherton who made 64.