Graeme Swann completed the third 10-wicket haul of his career as England survived a fifth-day rain delay to defeat New Zealand by 247 runs and complete a 2-0 series whitewash at Headingley.

Following criticism of captain Alastair Cook following a late declaration on Monday, the soggy conditions appeared set to deny England the four wickets they required to defeat the Black Caps in their final test before the Ashes series.

Stuart Broad dismissed skipper Brendon McCullum (1) and Swann had Tim Southee (38) caught behind after the initial morning delay, before more rain fell either side of lunch as New Zealand sensed a draw.

But after a two-and-a-half hour interruption, England quickly sought to wrap up the match as Ian Bell brilliantly caught Doug Bracewell (19) at silly point before James Anderson drew level with Fred Trueman on 307 test wickets as Trent Boult (0) edge to Matt Prior as the tourists were dismissed for 220.

Graeme Swann
Swann took 10 for 132 as England wrapped up victory on day five against New Zealand.

The win will allow Cook a huge sigh of relief after much criticism for the defensive nature of his declaration on Monday which left New Zealand with a world record target of 468 runs to win, with seemingly little consideration for the much reported inclement conditions due to the fifth day of play.

The day began amid much consternation, with England coach Andy Flower demanding the covers be removed to assist in speeding up the process in preparing the pitch, with opposite number Mike Hesson less than impressed by the hosts.

But after a 45-minute postponement, play was able to begin and England grabbed two wickets before the wet conditions returned.

First, Broad brilliantly caught and bowled McCullum and Swann, who had earlier seen Jonathan Trott drop Southee and then watch the New Zealander smash him over deep mid-wicket for six, got his revenge as Trott made no mistake at first slip off a thin edge.

England once again looked liked rueing their tactics on day four when the rain returned for a further two and a half hours in the middle of the afternoon, only for play to resume at 3pm amid light drizzle.

Swann completed his 10-wicket haul, the first by an Englishman at Headingley since 1972, as Bracewell was dismissed bat-pad, with Bell snaffling the catch. Then James Anderson, in his first over of the day, had Boult caught behind as England finished the first leg of their summer schedule in the grand manner.