England got the win through off-spinner Jacob Bethell. After taking three wickets in New Zealand’s first innings, Bethell spoke again by trapping Ravindra lbw for 76 off 99 balls.
Ravindra’s innings included 60 runs in the boundary and he put New Zealand in a strong position before being dismissed.
Nicholls continued unchallenged and brought up his 11th Test century from 133 balls. The highlight came when he drove Bethell to the mid-wicket boundary in his 14th over.
The hundred was his second against England and followed his unbeaten 150 against Zimbabwe last August, which gave him a Test back-to-back.
After removing his helmet, Nicholls accepted a standing ovation from the crowd before resuming his duties.
He then joined Daryl Mitchell, unbeaten on 32, in an unbroken stand of 63 runs. Nicholls finished the day unbeaten on 119 from 164 deliveries.
