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Ross Taylor went to the top of New Zealand's all-time Test run-scoring charts but it couldn't cover over a torrid tour of Australia for the Black Caps.
Ross Taylor's rise to the top of New Zealand's all-time run-scoring charts provided one of the few highlights from the Black Caps' horror tour of Australia.
Taylor went past Stephen Fleming as the most prolific batsman in New Zealand's history on Monday, before being bowled for 22.
One of the Black Caps' finest batsmen, Taylor brought up his 7144th career run when he drove Nathan Lyon down the ground for three shortly after tea.
He brings up the milestone in his 99th Test - 12 fewer than Fleming - with 19 centuries.
"It's an amazing milestone for Ross and something that's been in the background for a while," stand-in captain Tom Latham said.
"For him to finally get there as New Zealand's highest run-scorer is a very special moment.
"The amount of hard work he's done is testament to himself and hopefully there's plenty more runs for him and us. We'll be celebrating that with him tonight."
A former captain, Taylor caused Australia pain with 290 at the WACA in 2015.
But there was to be no such joy this summer.
New Zealand's 3-0 series drubbing lost them the No.2 spot in the world to Australia, and they will leave the country with numerous battle scars.
Trent Boult suffered a fractured hand, fellow quick Matt Henry a broken thumb and Lockie Ferguson a calf tear as they all race to face India in February.
Kane Williamson, Mitchell Santner and Henry Nicholls are all lighter after being struck down by a virus and missing the third Test at the SCG.
And they are again without the Trans-Tasman Trophy, leaving Australia empty handed after struggling to deal with the hosts' pace and bounce.
They at least found a potential opener in Tom Blundell following his century at the MCG, but otherwise positives were few and far between.
"It's obviously a disappointing result. There's no one more disappointed than ourselves," Latham said.
"It's really important we try to learn from this experience.
"When you're put under pressure by a world-class bowling attack like Australia it's the standard we want to reach.
"Even though we've been playing some good Test cricket we were put under pressure and didn't quite perform our best."
