Over the past 4 days, New Zealand have done two things.

Firstly, they have shown why they are in the World Test Championship final instead of England. 

Second, with all the grace and decorum we expect from one of the most widely respected outfits in world cricket, they have both exposed all of the inherent flaws in English cricket, and outplayed and, quite frankly, embarrassed an England side who finds them self in a dire, downward spiral.

New Zealand secured a 1-0 series victory on Sunday in Birmingham, crushing England by 8 wickets, and giving Joe Root his first series loss at home as England captain.

After contributions from all corners throughout the series, New Zealand will feel their cricketing future is secure. Player of the series Devon Conway was a sensation, highlighted by his 200 on debut at Lords in the first match, Will Young provided able support, Ross Taylor found form at Edgbaston, every bowler took at least one wicket in the series; the list of positives goes on.

They will be heading to the Ageas Bowl in Southampton well practiced and confident, ready to take on India to be crowned World Test Champions.

Where New Zealand excelled, England fell disastrously short. Revelations about the players' tweeting history contrasted the experience of the Kiwis greatly, setting the tone for how the series would go.

Bright spots were there at times: Rory Burns hitting his 3rd test hundred at Lord's, Stuart Broad bowling as well as ever, James Anderson getting his 162nd test cap. If these were bright, then they were overpowered by the intensely dark shadows of batting collapses, poor shot selection and, more importantly, racist behaviour off the field hanging over the side.

For England, this is very concerning indeed. Not only have they lost 4 of their last 5 tests, but this is their last opportunity to play test cricket until August when the India series starts. Even the domestic four day matches won't be happening until then; so how are they going to improve?

We're not sure. If they do lose in August, and then in Australia, not only will Joe Root and England be to blame, but the ECB will have to face the music also. Having no long form cricket has consequences for the test side, and undermines their apparent commitment to test cricket greatly.

For the sake of English cricket, and cricket fans all over the world, let's hope Joe Root and England sort themselves out. Meanwhile, New Zealand will keep being a class act, providing good quality cricket in the right spirit, putting much larger, much wealthier nations like England to shame on and off the cricket pitch.