The English team Secure T20 Series Victory Following Final NZ T20 Rain-Out, Harry Brook Left Frustrated

The English T20 contest versus New Zealand concluded exactly how it started, due to rain. On a previously dry day, the conditions played tricks. Precipitation first appeared at 7.17pm, moments following play commenced. Following a short restart, it came back, halted, allowed the crew some opportunity to dry the field, allowed the umpires to schedule a late restart, and then resumed pouring at just before 10. Twenty-five balls were bowled.

"It's disappointing to travel such a distance to New Zealand and have just one match," Brook said. "Extremely annoying."

Officially, England won the toss and opted to field. Two of the first three deliveries yielded boundaries, struck by Seifert—a tantalising glimpse of the run-scoring a combination of a placid wicket, strong winds, and the small boundaries might have produced.

The final balls cleared the ropes, Rachin Ravindra and Seifert sending it into the crowd. New Zealand stood at 38 for one, from 3.4 overs, when the game officially ended.

Despite his disappointment, Harry still has three ODIs to come, but three members of the touring party will no longer be involved when play shifts to the Bay Oval on the weekend. Crawley will stay in New Zealand to continue his Ashes preparations while Phil Salt (60 balls faced) and Jordan Cox (18) head home.

Friday marks the first anniversary of Cox's exclusion from the Test matches in New Zealand with a broken thumb from practice. He must be wishing his fortune in New Zealand could vary as local conditions.

This was the first time to host an international in Auckland in this month and neatly illustrated why. "I suppose this time of year showers are likely," commented skipper Santner. "We always enjoy to play England no matter what time of year. The issue being that they were often scheduled to play England not playing England."

England managed to secure a single win, thus taking the series, and Brook’s analysis of it was as optimistic as the planners: "We’ve had a hell of a lot of fun," he remarked. "We’ve gained a lot. To be able to spend time as a group and build camaraderie surely aids you on the field. We enjoyed ourselves and smiles. It’s been very worthwhile."