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The English T20 contest versus New Zealand ended exactly how it started, due to rain. Despite earlier sunny weather, the elements teased and taunted. Rain first intervened at 7.17pm, two minutes after the match began. After a brief resumption, it came back, paused, allowed the crew some opportunity to dry the field, let officials plan a 10pm restart, and then resumed pouring at just before 10. Only 25 deliveries occurred.

"It's disappointing to travel such a distance to this part of the world and have just one match," Brook stated. "Extremely annoying."

For the record, England won the toss and opted to field. The initial overs went for four, both hit by Tim Seifert—a tantalising glimpse of the run-scoring a combination of a placid wicket, strong winds, and Eden Park’s diminutive boundaries might have produced.

Two of the last three deliveries went for six, Rachin Ravindra and Seifert pulling into the stands. The Kiwis were 38/1, off 3.4 overs, when the game officially ended.

Despite his disappointment, Brook at least has three ODIs to come, but a trio of this England squad will no longer be involved once the action moves to the Bay Oval on Sunday. Zak Crawley (no balls faced) remains in NZ to prepare for the Ashes while Phil Salt (60 balls faced) and Jordan Cox (18) return home.

Friday marks the first anniversary of Cox's exclusion from England’s Test series here with a thumb fracture sustained in training. He likely hopes his luck in this country could vary as local conditions.

This was the first time an international had been attempted in Auckland in this month and neatly illustrated why. "I suppose this time of year showers are likely," said Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain. "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."

The tourists at least squeezed in one victory, thereby winning the series, and Brook’s analysis of it was as optimistic as the planners: "We experienced a hell of a lot of fun," he said. "It was very beneficial. To be able to spend time as a group and try to become good mates surely aids you during games. We enjoyed ourselves and smiles. It’s been very worthwhile."