Stuart Broad believes England's inept batting was to blame as New Zealand capitalised clinically to clinch the NatWest series 3-1 at Lord's.
The tourists bounced back from their Test series defeat and further losses in the Twenty20 clash at Old Trafford and opening ODI at Durham to snatch the series in emphatic fashion with a 51-run success on Saturday.
Broad believes England's inability to post large totals with the bat was the deciding factor as Daniel Vettori's men turned things around by winning the final three matches.
"We all know we didn't get the runs on the board that we would have liked," Broad told skysports.com.
"We got 300 once but we failed to chase 180 and we only got 245 at The Oval when everyone was expecting us to get 300-320.
"It's an area we've got to look at and get some plans on how we are going to put larger totals on the board. I would say that was the major downfall in the series".
The Kiwi's levelled the series 1-1 at Bristol after England failed to chase down a meagre target of 182 - four of the top seven batsmen failing to reach double figures.
Broad, 22, believes the County Ground defeat proved the defining moment as it gifted the Black Caps a much-needed route back into the series.
"Obviously we started the series well, we won the Twenty20 and then we went on to win very well at Durham," Broad said.
"The key moment came at Bristol when we failed to chase 180 on a good wicket and small boundaries and that let them back in the game.
"They are third in the world, they're a strong side and they are not going to let up an opportunity like that."
Despite the obvious disappointment, Broad still found reason for cheer - particularly the way he and strike bowlers James Anderson and Ryan Sidebottom nullified the threat of dangerous duo Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor.
"There were some positives that came out of the series," he said.
"We bowled tightly and managed to overcome the challenge of McCullum - he's obviously been in great form over the last couple of months but he didn't really get going.
"Ross Taylor is also a key man who didn't get going, so that was pleasing on our behalf as a bowling unit, but ultimately we failed to get the runs on the board and that cost us."
The Lord's defeat also saw Kevin Pietersen lead England for the first time after one-day skipper Paul Collingwood was banned for four matches for a slow over-rate.
Broad believes the Hampshire star thrived on his opportunity to skipper the side, however admitted he and his team-mates have been left to rue what they believe was an "avoidable" ban for their regular captain.
"I think he (Pietersen) did well, he was nice to play under he let you do your own field, he wasn't too overpowering but he was very supportive," added Broad.
"I think he did a very good job, I think he thoroughly enjoyed his first captaincy experience and I'm sure he'll look forward to doing it again in the future if the opportunity arises.
"It was a very avoidable ban we were just very slow at getting round (at the Oval). A lot of things were obviously going on in that game and we missed the boat by four minutes.
"It's cost him (Collingwood) four games, he's bitterly disappointed, we're bitterly disappointed for him but that is the responsibility I suppose which comes with being captain.
"It's not particularly his fault that we were slow bowling the overs but he gets the punishment which is a bit harsh but it was very avoidable.
"Its happened and we just need to focus on the South Africa Test series coming up now."
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