England captain Michael Vaughan hailed the resilience of his side after bouncing back to complete a Test series victory in New Zealand.

The tourists had been in deep trouble at four for three on the first day of the final Test at Napier but recovered to win by 121 runs and take the series 2-1.

A century from Kevin Pietersen lifted England before seven wickets from man of the series Ryan Sidebottom put them in command.

Andrew Strauss' second-innings 177 then batted the Kiwis out of the game before England wrapped up the match by taking the final five wickets on the final day.

It completed a fine turnaround after England had been 1-0 down in the series and in a perilous position in the second match at Wellington.

Vaughan told Sky Sports: "From being four for three everyone wrote us off, 250 looked below par on this good pitch and [New Zealand] at 100 for one at lunch on the second day, I was sitting there thinking we were a long way behind the eight ball.

"But Ryan Sidebottom and Stuart Broad changed the game on that second afternoon with the way they bowled and put them under pressure.

"It wasn't a 170 all out kind of wicket so those two deserve a lot of credit, as does KP for getting that hundred on the first day and in the second innings Andrew Strauss for getting that 177.

"We really played a good game and drove it home and went for the kill by batting a little longer (in the second innings).

"We really wanted to nail the game because we haven't won a series for a long time."

It was England's first series success overseas for three years, but their victory parade was delayed by Kiwi debutant Tim Southee, who smashed a remarkable 40-ball 77 not out at the end.

Southee hit nine sixes and put on 84 for the final wicket with Chris Martin but the result never seemed in doubt and was confirmed seven overs after lunch.

Vaughan added on Sky Sports: "It was nice to see a young player coming into Test match cricket - he's had a good debut, he got five wickets in the first innings and showed he's got a bit of power behind him with the bat.

"It was flying at all angles and was very difficult to set a field for but I don't think it should hide the fact we played a really good game."

England will now meet New Zealand again in a return series at home this summer.

Vaughan is pleased with the progress his side is making but admits they are still some way off being a force to be reckoned with.

He added: "There is a lot of talent in the dressing room which needs bringing out.

"In the first game at Hamilton it didn't come out. It came out a little bit at Wellington and we got a bit better here this week.

"We're still not playing the game I think we can play, there is still a lot of improvement to be done but there are some good signs within the team that England can start moving forward and become a dominant force and a hard team to beat.

"We have still got a lot of improving to do before we can be sure we can take on all the big teams."

Vaughan singled out Sidebottom for praise after his former Yorkshire team-mate finished with 24 wickets for the series.

He said: "He has bowled exceptionally well, he has been in the Test match team now for a year.

"He has 50-odd wickets and I am sure there is a lot more in the locker if he keeps bowling like that."

Sidebottom, who did not receive the rewards his efforts deserved on tour of Sri Lanka before Christmas, was modest about his achievements.

The Nottinghamshire left-arm seamer told Sky Sports: "It has been a great series, it has to-ed and fro-ed and we have come out on top.

"We went 1-0 down and have fought back really well to win it.

"I haven't done anything differently from Sri Lanka, I have tried to put the ball in right areas but obviously it swings a bit more here, with a bit of reverse.

"There have been some good catches and a I was a bit fortunate in areas but I'll take that of course."

Sidebottom can now look forward to his next big date - his wedding, for which he admits he will have to have his hair cut.

The hirsute paceman added: "Yes, I'm definitely getting it cut - I've been told to, but just a tidy!"

Coach Peter Moores felt the team's performance over the whole series was character-forming.

He said on Sky Sports: "You judge any team - it is always about how they bounce back from adversity.

"The defeat at Hamilton was a hard one to take because we fought very hard to stay in the game and then on that last day it got away from us very quickly.

"The response to that was great and then to back that up with a win here, especially when in a tough position again, I think is the most pleasing thing and it was a real team effort."

The series win also strengthens Moores' position after a difficult first year since taking over from Duncan Fletcher.

He added: "You know your job is to deliver as a coach. I think we are seeing an emerging team."

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori also admitted Sidebottom had been outstanding.

He said: "I really think he was the difference between the two sides and the way he bowled here he was a real handful.

"It's not all doom and gloom for us. We've got some good players but there are some areas we need to address to produce results."

Sporting Life / Eurosport