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England's T20 contest versus New Zealand ended just as it began, with a washout. Despite earlier sunny weather, the conditions played tricks. Rain first intervened at evening, moments following play commenced. After a brief resumption, it returned, paused, gave the ground staff a bit of time to dry the field, let officials plan a late restart, and then resumed pouring at just before 10. Only 25 deliveries occurred.

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

Officially, England won the toss and opted to field. The initial overs went for four, both hit by Tim Seifert—a brief preview of the scoring potential a combination of a flat pitch, a wild wind, and the small boundaries could have enabled.

Two of the last three deliveries went for six, the batters pulling into the stands. New Zealand stood at 38 for one, off 3.4 overs, as the match was called off.

For all his frustration, Brook at least has three one-day internationals to come, but a trio of the touring party won't continue once the action moves to Mount Maunganui on the weekend. Zak Crawley (no balls faced) remains in NZ to continue his Ashes preparations while Phil Salt (60 balls faced) and Cox return home.

Friday marks the one-year mark of Cox's exclusion from England’s Test series in New Zealand with a thumb fracture sustained in training. He must be wishing his fortune in New Zealand would be as unpredictable as local conditions.

This was the first time to host an international in the city in this month and neatly illustrated why. "I suppose October showers are likely," said skipper Santner. "It’s always nice to play England any season. The issue being that they were often they were supposed to be playing England not playing England."

England managed to secure one victory, thus taking the series, and Brook’s analysis of it was equally positive as the planners: "We’ve had a hell of a lot of fun," he said. "We’ve gained a lot. 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."