"Family comes first in this environment and we're all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child," said coach Gary Stead.

Joe Root scored a century before England's bowlers knocked over New Zealand for 259 in the final session of day three, clinching a series on New Zealand soil for the first time since 2008.

The visitors won the first Test in Christchurch by eight wickets inside four days and have stuck with the same XI for the next clash starting on Friday.

"Very happy with the way we performed throughout the week," said England captain Ben Stokes after his side took a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Kane Williamson was dismissed seven runs short of a hundred, Black Caps skipper Tom Latham three shy of a quickfire half-century, and four wickets were taken at the cost of 59 runs immediately after tea.

Head coach Brendon McCullum says New Zealand wickets will be better suited to England's aggressive brand of cricket, dubbed "Bazball", after his side were crushed in the final two Tests in Pakistan on turning tracks.

The Crowe-Thorpe Trophy, a collaboration with the men's families, is made from wood sourced from their bats.

Barbados-born Bethell, who made his T20 and ODI debuts against Australia last month, has only featured in 20 first-class matches and has a modest batting average of 25.44, without a century in any form of professional cricket.