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England's T20 contest against New Zealand concluded just as it began, due to rain. On a previously dry day, the elements played tricks. Rain first intervened at evening, moments following play commenced. Following a short restart, it came back, paused, gave the ground staff a bit of time to mop up, allowed the umpires to schedule a late restart, and then fell once again at just before 10. Only 25 deliveries occurred.

"It's disappointing to travel such a distance to this part of the world and only play one game," Brook said. "Very frustrating."

For the record, the English side called correctly and chose to bowl. The initial overs went for four, struck by Seifert—a tantalising glimpse of the scoring potential a mix of a placid wicket, a wild wind, and Eden Park’s diminutive boundaries might have produced.

The final balls went for six, the batters pulling into the stands. The Kiwis were 38/1, off 3.4 overs, as the match was called off.

For all his frustration, Brook at least has three one-day internationals ahead, but three members of this England squad won't continue when play shifts to Mount Maunganui on Sunday. Crawley remains in NZ to prepare for the Ashes while Salt and Cox return home.

This Friday is the first anniversary of Cox's exclusion from England’s Test series in New Zealand with a broken thumb sustained in training. He must be wishing his fortune in this country could vary as local conditions.

It marked the initial attempt to host an international in Auckland in this month and clearly showed the reason. "I suppose this time of year rain is always a potential," commented skipper Santner. "We always enjoy to face England no matter what time of year. The problem was that they were often they were supposed to be playing England without actually playing."

The tourists at least squeezed in one victory, thus taking the series, and Harry's summary of it was equally positive as whoever scheduled it: "We’ve had a hell of a lot of fun," he said. "We’ve gained a lot. To be able to spend time together and try to become good mates can only help you on the field. We’ve had a lot of fun and smiles. It was truly valuable."