'We weren't good enough': Root wants quick reaction after England lose in Auckland

Reflecting on a game which began with a dreadful collapse to 58 all out on the first afternoon, Joe Root admitted that his team was way below par

^{England captain Joe Root looks frustrated in the field}

Joe Root says England can offer no excuses for their capitulation in Auckland.

Despite two days of heavy rain, the tourists succumbed to an innings defeat by New Zealand on Monday, extending their winless run in overseas Tests to 12 matches.

Reflecting on a game which began with a dreadful collapse to 58 all out on the first afternoon, Root admitted that his team was way below par.

"We weren’t good enough, simple as that. It’s difficult to get back into a Test match from that [being bowled out for 58], we have to learn our lessons quickly," he said.

"It’s difficult to single anything out, we need to adapt quicker because that wasn’t good enough and I’m not interested in looking at excuses."

^{New Zealand celebrate victory on Monday}

The Yorkshire batsman did try to take some positives from England's second-innings effort. Half-centuries from Mark Stoneman, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes briefly conjured up the vague idea of a draw but ultimately the visitors were dismissed for 320 to fall to an innings and 59-run loss.

"The character of the dressing room and the effort was fantastic today," Root said.

"We can take a lot from this second innings."

While England were struggling at Eden Park, halfway across the world one of cricket's great scandals has erupted.

Root didn't want to focus to much on the ball-tampering incident in Cape Town, which led to Steve Smith being banned for a match.

"I’ve got plenty on my plate to worry about but it’s not been great for cricket," said the England skipper.

"They’ve got plenty on their plate, as England captain all I can worry about it is my team."