Cricket/Third Test: A defiant century from Graham Thorpe led England to a four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the third Test at Trent Bridge and clinched a 3-0 series whitewash yesterday.

Thorpe notched a cool-headed 104 not out and Ashley Giles was unbeaten with 36 as England reached their victory target of 284 to take their first series whitewash over the Kiwis in 26 years.

"I was proud to be there at the end. It was key to get a few partnerships and put the Kiwis under pressure," Thorpe said.New Zealand all-rounder Chris Cairns, celebrating his 34th birthday and playing in his 62nd and final Test, had earlier threatened to turn the game New Zealand's way with four wickets to go with his five for 79 in the first innings.

But Thorpe and Giles, who earlier impressed with the ball, taking four for 46, steered the home side to victory as a depleted New Zealand attack tired in the evening sun.

Mark Butcher scored a resolute 59 before Cairns trapped him lbw with the last ball before tea that nipped back. Cairns then induced Andrew Flintoff (5) to mis-hit a drive to substitute fielder Hamish Marshall.

The former Nottinghamshire player had earlier dispatched England captain Michael Vaughan lbw for 10, but was fortunate with the dismissal of Andrew Strauss.

The England opener was adjudged lbw for six in another controversial decision by Australian umpire Simon Taufel after several dubious calls oSaturday's. Marcus Trescothick followed, lobbing a catch back to bowler James Franklin for nine.

Franklin then took Geraint Jones for 27, playing a wayward shot to Jacob Oram at gully.

Cairn's exploits and the closeness of the match were all the more impressive given Chris Martin and debutant Kyle Mills were both unable to bowl, nursing injuries picked up in England's first innings.

New Zealand were dismissed for 218 in the morning session after resuming their second innings 190 for five.

Giles, often criticised for not spinning the ball enough, bowled Cairns with a beauty for one and then Steve Harmison became 2004's leading Test wicket taker with 44 dismissals when he struck Craig McMillan (30) on the pads and Andrew Flintoff took a catch at slip to dispatch Oram for nought.

England's victory represented the fourth highest total obtained by a team batting fourth in tests in England. The last time they completed a whitewash over New Zealand was in 1978 in another 3-0 home series victory under Mike Brearley.