England’s Ashes winter began with a splutter after rain forced an abandonment of their first Twenty20 international against New Zealand.
Although there was one short interruption, Harry Brook’s 50th T20 appearance for his country featured a full innings of 153 for six.
However, the contest at Hagley Oval fell foul of the weather at a time of year when New Zealand’s domestic season is yet to begin.
Close to an hour of persistent drizzle meant the Black Caps did not begin their chase and the umpires called things off 20 minutes shy of the cut-off time when it became apparent that ground staff would not be able to mop up in time.
England had posted their record score of 304 for two in their previous innings under Brook’s leadership against South Africa last month, but on a much more challenging surface than the one in Manchester they were grateful to Sam Curran’s charmed, unbeaten 49 for lifting them to 153 for six.
Dropped twice, Curran also began marching off the field with 30 to his name – after reviewing a leg before decision more in hope than expectation – when he was reprieved by the delivery from Kyle Jamieson pitching outside leg stump.
There were just eight deliveries left at that stage, but Curran made the most of them, as Jacob Duffy shipped 19 runs in the final over, to register his second highest score in Twenty20 internationals.
Worcestershire seamer Duffy was therefore left nursing figures of 4-0-45-1, and ruing his own part in allowing England off the hook.
Sam Curran was the only England batter to pass 30, blasting 49 off 35 balls
The heavens opened during the interval in Christchurch and play was swiftly called off
Having given New Zealand the perfect start to the match by luring Phil Salt into a skied miscue, he repeated the dose when Surrey left-hander Curran was on 14, but somehow bodged the caught and bowled opportunity.
Then, following a first rain delay of 15 minutes, Tim Robinson settled under a slice to deep cover by Curran on 26, yet allowed the ball to slip from his grasp.
Brook said of his side’s disappointing batting display: ‘The pitch did a little bit to start with. Matt Henry, especially, made the most of the surface.
Then, following a first rain delay of 15 minutes, Tim Robinson settled under a slice to deep cover by Curran on 26, yet allowed the ball to slip from his grasp.
‘We obviously want to adapt to the situation and the surface but with the depth of batting we’ve got, we can go hard all the way through.’
‘We probably just be quicker to adapt to the surface. Using your options, knowing your options and executing.’
On captaining the side in New Zealand he added: ‘It’s been good fun, great bunch of lads and all loving being in the squad. We’re looking forward to the rest of the series.’
