Cricket: England captain Joe Root praises New Zealand cricket culture ahead of final test

New Zealand's cricket and the way they go about it drew praise from England captain Joe Root on the eve of the final of their tour.

To a backdrop of stunning bans and acrimony in Australia's series against South Africa, Root was asked to compare playing against Australia and New Zealand, as England have done over the last four months.

"It's hard to put your finger on exactly what it is. In terms of atmosphere on the field there might not be as much said verbally when you're playing New Zealand," he said.

"But you still get a sense they are playing good, hard cricket. They go about things very much in their own way but you know you are up against a side who are desperate to win and are very skillful.

"I'm not saying Australia don't bring that to the table when you play against them, but it is a different atmosphere in my experience."

Root said the decision by Cricket Australia to ban captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner for a year, and Cam Bancroft for nine months over admitted ball tampering is a statement to world cricket.

"It's a decision CA had to make and you've seen the amount of reaction it has got around the world, which just shows everyone watching the game and who supports cricket supports how they want to see the game played."

Root believed England "conduct ourselves pretty well" on the field.

"Relationships between England and New Zealand have been pretty good for a number of years, and it's the same with the majority of countries we play against.

"It is a reminder of how important it is we continue to do that.

"That's what people want to watch and we want to play good hard cricket within the guidelines of the game."

England must beat New Zealand in the second test of their series at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, starting tomorrow, to square the rubber. England won't name their side until at least later tonight if not tomorrow morning.

However under-performing allrounder Moeen Ali is a good chance to be dropped on the back of a poor tour of both Australia and New Zealand.

New Zealand won the first test by an innings and 49 runs under lights at Eden Park last Monday.

Roots said he has sensed a strong determination from his players to lift their game for the tour finale.