AFP, CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand's one-day batting frailties have been brutally exposed by England 15 months out from the next World Cup, causing deep concern for coach Mike Hesson.

Three years on from being finalists in the 2015 World Cup, where they lost to Australia in Melbourne, New Zealand are now struggling to get an innings underway as they build towards the next showpiece in May 2019. England's 3-2 victory in the just-completed ODI series in New Zealand may suggest a close fought battle, but two of England's wins were by runaway margins including Saturday's series decider.

New Zealand's meagre 223 all out at Hagley Oval in Christchurch was easily overhauled by England with seven wickets remaining and 104 balls to spare.

“Our top order hasn't set the platform, that's pretty clear,” Hesson acknowledged on Sunday as he reviewed the ruthless way the tourists wrapped up the series.