England Claim Series Win After Final NZ T20 Washout, Brook Left Frustrated

The English T20 contest versus New Zealand ended just as it started, with a washout. On a previously dry day, the conditions played tricks. Precipitation first appeared at evening, moments following play commenced. After a brief resumption, it returned, halted, gave the ground staff a bit of time to dry the field, let officials plan a 10pm restart, and then fell once again at 9.59pm. Twenty-five balls were bowled.

"You don’t want to come all the way over to New Zealand and only play one game," Brook stated. "Very frustrating."

Officially, the English side called correctly and chose to bowl. Two of the first three deliveries yielded boundaries, both hit by Tim Seifert—a tantalising glimpse of the scoring potential a mix of a placid wicket, a wild wind, and the small boundaries might have produced.

The final balls went for six, Rachin Ravindra and Seifert pulling into the stands. The Kiwis were 38/1, off 3.4 overs, as the match was called off.

Despite his disappointment, Harry still has three one-day internationals ahead, but a trio of the touring party won't continue once the action moves to the Bay Oval on the weekend. Crawley will stay in New Zealand to continue his Ashes preparations while Salt and Jordan Cox (18) return home.

Friday marks the first anniversary of Cox being ruled out from England’s Test series here with a broken thumb from practice. He likely hopes his luck in New Zealand could vary as the weather.

It marked the initial attempt to host an international in Auckland in October and clearly showed the reason. "I suppose this time of year rain is always a potential," commented skipper Santner. "We always enjoy to face England any season. The problem was that they were often scheduled to play England without actually playing."

The tourists managed to secure a single win, thus taking the series, and Harry's summary of it was as optimistic as whoever scheduled it: "We experienced great enjoyment," he said. "We’ve gained a lot. To be able to spend time as a group and build camaraderie surely aids you on the field. We’ve had a lot of fun and laughter. It’s been very worthwhile."