England’s packed winter schedule started in underwhelming trend as their first T20 worldwide towards New Zealand was deserted resulting from persistent rain in Christchurch.
With eyes already drifting towards the Ashes subsequent month, England should first navigate a white-ball sequence throughout the Tasman Sea.
Put in to bat, Harry Brook’s aspect struggled for fluency on a tough floor, with solely Sam Curran passing 30 as his unbeaten 49 off 35 balls rescued England from 81-5 as they posted a aggressive 153-6 after 20 overs.
However the climate had the ultimate say. The heavens opened in the course of the interval, and a reduced-overs chase was by no means attainable. Play was formally known as off at 10.12pm native time, with New Zealand denied the possibility to answer.
England stay in Christchurch forward of the second T20 on Monday, earlier than heading to Auckland for Thursday’s third match and the beginning of the three-match ODI sequence.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry impressed with the ball
Brook: England can go laborious all through
England captain Harry Brook: “The ball did a bit to start out with and New Zealand are very skilled with the brand new ball – Matt Henry particularly, who made the a lot of the pitch.
“We clearly need to adapt to the scenario and floor however with the depth, we’ve we expect we are able to go laborious all through.
“We have some extremely talented and powerful batters so if we don’t get the start we want, we can accelerate at the end. In the next game, we want to adapt quicker, all of us.”
Santner hails good ‘all-round’ show
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner: “We started off extremely well with the new ball – it looked pretty challenging – so it was a good all-round performance.
“We have been fairly scientific chipping away with wickets. It is a constructing block, a begin, for what’s coming forward [with the T20 World Cup in February and March].
“You want a well-balanced squad for that – plus a win at home in front of your own fans.”
Extra to comply with.
New Zealand vs England – white-ball schedule
All occasions UK and Eire
- First T20 (Christchurch): Match deserted ☔🤦
- Second T20: Monday October 20 (7.15am) – Christchurch
- Third T20: Thursday October 23 (7.15am) – Auckland
- First ODI: Sunday October 26 (1am) – Mount Maunganui
- Second ODI: Wednesday October 29 (1am) – Hamilton
- Third ODI: Saturday November 1 (1am) – Wellington
