Former England batsman Alec Stewart believes that Alastair Cook's side's batting was the reason they were unable to beat New Zealand in their three-match Test series.

The Three Lions drew 0-0 with the Kiwis but were indebted to a fine innings from Matt Prior, who scored a hundred on the last day in Auckland to save them from certain defeat.

Stewart said in his column on BBC Sport: "The batsmen haven't performed well enough and that is the main reason why we haven't been able to win the series.

"Worryingly, starting slowly in matches and series has become a bit of a theme for England recently after they were bowled out for less than 200 in Dubai, Galle and Ahmedabad last year. This needs to be corrected sooner rather than later."

England face off against the Kiwis again in May.