Their journey to victory was defined less by reliance on a handful of individuals but rather a strength in depth that across all positions that is unrivalled in the Test game.

Here’s a look at how the XI picked for the finale at the Ageas Bowl fared in the all-important winner-takes-all contest:

Tom Latham: 6/10

30 & 9

Six may appear generous given he failed to pass 30 in both innings but the importance of his partnership with Conway in the first innings cannot be overstated. Putting on the highest stand of the Test – at least up until the Williamson-Taylor partnership that sealed the deal – against that India new-ball attack was some effort.

Devon Conway: 7/10

54 & 19

Another big tick for Conway at the start of his Test career. In difficult conditions against one of the best attacks on the planet, he looked the part.

Kane Williamson: 8/10

49 & 52*

His 49 was pivotal in helping New Zealand to a first innings lead – the knock was his slowest Test innings where he’s passed 30. Anchored a tricky run chase perfectly on the final day.

Ross Taylor: 7/10

11 & 47*

Added impetus to the run chase just as it looked like the required run rate would play a factor. One of New Zealand’s greatest careers has the peak it deserves.

Henry Nicholls: 4/10

7

The only member of the top five not to provide a meaningful contribution with the bat, but a clutch catch in the third innings meant he still had his say. Nicholls finishes New Zealand’s World Test Championship as his side’s third leading run-scorer.

BJ Watling: 5/10

1 & four catches

Kept masterfully in his final game as an international cricketer, even after he dislocated his ring finger on the final day; received the send-off his career deserved.

Colin de Grandhomme: 3/10

13 & 0-32

Didn’t get many in New Zealand’s first innings, was probably over-bowled in India’s first and wasn’t needed in their second.

Kyle Jamieson: 9/10

5-31, 2-30 & 21

Another who has enjoyed an extraordinary start to his international career. With his towering release point, pinpoint accuracy and ability to move the ball in both directions he very much looks like the real deal. He possesses a handy knack of getting the opposition’s best players out.

Tim Southee: 8/10

1-64, 4-48 & 30

Took the wickets of both India openers on the penultimate evening to nudge the door open for a New Zealand win. At the end of the innings he ensured that the India tail would not be an irritation either. Southee passed 600 international wickets during the Test – a titan of New Zealand cricket.

Neil Wagner: 7/10

2-40 & 1-44

Wagner provided the crucial breakthrough of a well-set Rahane in the first innings and, as always, gave the Blackcaps attack a different avenue of attack.

Trent Boult: 8/10

2-47 & 3-39

Boult bowled beautifully on the final day, sucking the life out of the India middle-order.