England captain Alastair Cook was understandably relieved at winning the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday, after losing the first game and risking a series defeat.

The Three Lions won by eight wickets as they easily chased down the 270 required in Napier, with the top order performing well and Cook himself getting 78. Joe Root made an unbeaten 79 off 56 balls, while Jonathan Trott made 65 and Ian Bell 44.

New Zealand had scored 269 all out, with James Anderson taking the bulk of the wickets, while Ross Taylor provided the Kiwi backbone with 100 on the dot. Brendon McCullum scored another half century to ensure a decent score.

Cook said: "I thought the way we bowled up front was outstanding. Steven Finn and James Anderson really bowled well. We gave them nothing to get going, took some wickets, and put them under pressure.

"It was only a fantastic effort from Brendon McCullum that got them up to a decent score."

He added: "We knew 270 was probably a little bit below par on that wicket. We knew if we kept our heads batting and kept wickets in hand, as it proved it was quite an easy chase."

Cook was full of praise for Yorkshireman Root, ribbing the down-to-earth youngster about keeping his ego in check after a solid start to his career, saying: "He's been excellent since he came in, he's a really good kid.

"He works really hard and he's got a lot of talent. He's got all the right things to make him a really good player.

"We need to keep his feet on the ground - you know what these Yorkshiremen are like - but he's done well."

Also shining on the day was fast bowler Anderson, who recorded a five-fer, coming back to form after a poor first match and a long period on the sidelines.

The paceman said: "I'm delighted with the way I bowled and I think we bowled pretty well as a unit. We stuck at it and knew if we kept them under 300 we had a chance of chasing them down.

"The guys batted brilliantly and I'm delighted we could get the win."