New Zealand have been going through a rough phase as they lost to Australia but they will try to learn from their mistakes and look to rediscover their form before their home series against India, thinks Tom Latham. They were unbeaten in their earlier six series before Australia series where they lost to 296 runs in Perth, 247 runs in Melbourne and, on Monday, 279 runs in Sydney. Their fast bowlers, captain Kane Williamson and batsman Henry Nicholls were also failed to impress.

“From a batting point of view we never reached the standard we set ourselves,” Latham told reporters. “There’s no one more disappointed than ourselves. We came over here with some high expectations after some of the cricket we’ve played, but credit has to go to Australia, the way they’ve played.”

“It’s important we don’t start pointing the finger or looking at other factors,” he added. “It’s important we learn from this and when we get back together as a red ball team, we face India and we can hopefully play our brand of cricket.”

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However, the one highlighted part of this rather forgettable tour was Ross Taylor surpassing Stephen Fleming to become New Zealand’s most prolific run-getter in Tests on Monday. The key player paid a tearful tribute to former New Zealand captain Martin Crowe, who helped Taylor to get back in form.

“My goal was to play one Test match,” the 35-year-old said. “I guess it’s an emotional time because my mentor Martin Crowe, that was one of the goals he put down for me was to be New Zealand’s highest Test run-scorer. To be honest I didn’t believe him, but I’d have loved for him to be here and help celebrate,” he concluded.